Chicken Salad Goodness

It wasn't until about 2 years ago that I decided I liked chicken salad.

To be honest, I always thought things like grapes were just GRO-OSS to put with chicken.  That is until I had a chicken pasta salad at a baby shower (where else?).  I loved this salad and had to ask my friend Tiffany for the recipe.

Now, it's not just the standard chicken salad.  I did mention there is some pasta thrown in, right?  I'm a sucker for any kind of pasta.

The other night I put this together again.  It is the perfect summer salad and I haven't found anyone who doesn't like it.

Ok, I'll stop talking and let you be the judge.

Chicken Pasta Salad with Cashews and Cranberries

1 16 oz. package bow tie pasta, cooked, cooled, and drained

1 16 oz. bottle Coleslaw dressing

1/2 c. Miracle Whip  (the light version works well here too)

4 c. cooked cubed chicken (rotisserie chicken is easy)

2 c. seedless green grapes, halved

2 c. seedless red grapes, halved

2 (5 oz.) cans sliced water chestnuts

2 c. chopped celery

1/2 c. chopped green onion

2 c. cashew halves

2 c. dried cranberries

Whisk coleslaw dressing and Miracle Whip.   Mix with all of the ingredients except the cashews and cranberries.  Chill for 2 hrs. or overnight.  Add the cranberries and cashews just before serving.  Serve cold.

One warning.  This makes a HUGE amount of salad.  I half this recipe to feed my family of 5 and have leftovers.

Catch ya later!

Linking to:

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Not Just a Housewife
Today's Creative Blog
Lady Behind the Curtain