Broccoli Salad

I admit when I first read the ingredients in this recipe I was skeptical, but I had it at a wedding shower and it was really good so I gave it a try. 

1 bunch of broccoli, chopped
1 medium red (purple) onion, chopped
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 T. cooked bacon, crumbled

Mix and set aside.   Mix dressing and pour over top and stir to combine.

Dressing: 1 cup mayo, 1 cup sugar, 3 T. red wine vinegar - Mix and pour over top.

Kim's Somrero Pasta Salad

I loved this, but my picky eaters would not even think about it!

1 package spiral noodles (can use tri color for appearance)
1 lb ground beef
taco seasoning
2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
catalina salad dressing, small bottle
tomatoes, chopped
green peppers, chopped

Cook ground beef with taco seasoning as directed. Boil and drain noodles.  Mix all ingredients together and refrigerate.  Keep a small amount of dressing to add just before serving for moistness.

Pesto

If you are like me I would never have tried pesto because of the color. Some where along the road someone made me try it and life will never be the same. I prepare bowtie pasta and after it is drained I add either cooked shrimp or chicken, sundried tomatoes, roasted pine nuts (these are wonderful) and parmesan cheese. I have made homemade pesto, but really I think this stuff is just as good. You don't have to heat or anything, just mix into pasta of your choice while it is hot. The flavor is basil, EVOO, garlic, and parmesan cheese- what's not to like.

Pioneer Woman's Chicken Pasta Salad

3 pounds Chicken, Cooked And Diced/shredded
6 ounces, weight Dry Pasta, Cooked And Drained
4 whole Ribs Celery, Thinly Sliced
¾ c. Golden Raisins
¾ c. Slivered Almonds
½ cups Mayonnaise
½ cups Sour Cream
1 cup Heavy Cream
3 T. curry Powder, More Or Less To Taste
1 Tablespoon Sugar, More Or Less To Taste
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Preparation Instructions

Boil chicken to cook. Boil pasta in chicken broth. (I used a rotisserie chicken.)

Dice/shred chicken. Drain pasta.

Mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, heavy cream, curry powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until well combined.

Combine chicken, drained pasta, sliced celery, raisins, and almonds in a large bowl. Pour curry dressing over the top. Fold together with a rubber spatula. Make sure it’s all combined, then add more of whatever it needs. Make sure the sweet/savory balance is right for you! (I like mine a little sweet.)

Chill for several hours. Serve with juicy grapes on the side.

Recipe and photo from -- http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/