Monthly Recipe: Chicken Pasta Salad!

Summer is in full swing and with it comes a lot of warm days…and nights. As the heat raises so does the desire for a cool evening meal, something that won’t heat up the kitchen or the body. If you’re looking for a warm weather favorite have I got a recipe for you, thanks to our Friday volunteer Sherri for sharing this wonderful recipe with us! This recipe combines cool and creamy, the addition of chicken and cheese adds a bit of protein making this recipe the perfect filling meal on a hot summer’s day. Enjoy Chicken Pasta Salad Ingredients: 2 Cups                     Cooked pasta (any kind) 1 Package              Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix 1/2 Cup                  Mayonnaise 1/2 Tsp                   Onion powder 1/4 Cup                  Real bacon cooked, drained and crumbled or bacon bits 1 1/2 Cups            Chicken, cooked (leftovers or canned) 1/2 Cup                  Cherry tomatoes (cut into quarters) 1/2 Cup                  Cheddar cheese, shredded Option: lettuce, cut up in bottom of bowl. Directions: Cook Pasta. Drain and let cool completely. For the Dressing: Combine Hidden Valley Ranch dressing packet, mayonnaise and onion powder. Mix well. Chill for about one hour. To Assemble Salad: Mix together pasta, bacon, chicken, cherry tomatoes, and cheddar cheese. Add dressing and toss thoroughly.