Broccoli Bacon Salad

Once in a while I need to eat my vegetables with some pizazz :)  I got this recipe from a family member of mine, and it is SO good!  This salad makes me want to eat my broccoli.  If you need a delicious vegetable or salad to go on the side of any meal, this one is definitely a good choice :)  Enjoy!

Printable Version

Ingredients:

8 slices bacon, cooked
4 heads broccoli, chopped
1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese, shredded
1/2 cup craisins or raisins (optional)
1/2 large red onion, chopped (optional)

Dressing:

1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2/3 cup mayo
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/8 cup white sugar
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp salt

Directions:

1.  Crumble the bacon into small pieces.  Combine bacon, broccoli, cheese, and onion in a large bowl.
2.  In a small bowl, combine sauce ingredients.  Toss sauce with salad until mixed well.
3.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.  Add craisins right before serving.

*Hint:  If you are planning on having this salad a while after you make it, it doesn't keep very well in the fridge.  I would wait to mix the dressing in with the rest of the salad until ready to serve.

Chicken Bowtie Pasta Salad

Every week I find myself making this salad :)  I love how it is still as good as it was the first time after it's been in the fridge a couple days.  My husband and I whip this up every week and find ourselves eating it for a quick and easy lunch, pulled straight from the fridge.  It's also great on the side on any meal!  It's a great, light combination of fresh fruit, veggies, chicken, pasta, draped with a delicious sauce.  Eat up!

Printable Version

Ingredients:
2 lbs. shredded chicken
12 oounces bowtie noodles, cooked
12 ounces tri colored spiral noodles, cooked
2 cups celery, chopped
2 cups grapes
2 cans mandarin oranges
1 large can pineapple tidbits (optional)
12-16 cashews, halved (optional)
1 bag craisins (optional)

Sauce:
1 cup mayonnaise
1 (16 ounce) Kraft coleslaw dressing

Directions:
1.  Mix all salad ingredients together (except cashews and mandarin oranges).
2.  Blend sauce ingredients, pour over salad, and mix well.

3.  Add mandarin oranges.  Toss gently.