SUMMER CASHEW CHICKEN GRAPE PASTA SALAD
On many hot summer days, I can't face eating a hot meal. This salad makes a very satisfying meal without overheating the house or me! If I can't stomach the thought of cooking chicken myself for fear of heating up the house on a hot summer day, I just pick up a rotisserie chicken from my local grocer or I pick up grilled cooked chicken from Costco. With pre-cooked chicken, this recipe couldn't be easier to prepare! I've served this many times to rave reviews. I got this recipe from my mother-in-law. It's a dish she picks up from her local deli on a regular basis. If you make it at home, it's much cheaper than the deli!
Provided by Northern Cook
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 15m
Yield 8 1 Cup servings, 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Boil 1 lb. of pasta - al dente - according to package directions (I use rigatoni). Drain after cooking and let cool.
- While the pasta is boiling, wash and halve the grapes.
- Dice the cooked chicken into bite sized pieces.
- In a large bowl or serving platter, combine the cooled, drained pasta with the grapes and diced chicken. Stir in the mayonnaise. I start with one cup of mayo and add more as needed. Really, just add as much as you personally like - it may be more or less than 2 cups.
- Stir in the Lawry's seasoning salt, onion powder and garlic powder. Again, add to your liking. You may want more or less than 1/2 teaspoon of any of these - - it's your choice, go with what you like. Frequent sampling at this point will help you decide what your preference will be so grab a fork and start sampling!
- If the salad is too thick and rich for your liking, stir in a couple tablespoons milk to thin it out. This part is optional.
- This salad is always much better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. This is when I usually add milk to loosen it up a bit.
- Before serving, plate or dish up the salad and sprinkle cashew pieces on top of individual servings. DO NOT put the cashew pieces on the entire salad and refrigerate - - this will cause the cashew pieces to become soft and rubbery and nobody wants that! I just set the can of cashews on the table and let guests help themselves.
- Sit back and enjoy your sweat free cold summer salad!
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