Fruited Chicken Pasta Salad

Portion Size: 1 ½ cups; Approx. ½ cup chicken and dressing, ½ cup pasta, ½ cup fruit/veg. mix 

Ingredients: Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients Notes: 
1 (16 oz.) package of medium shell or elbow macaroniMay use whole grain
4 cups chicken or turkey chopped and cookedCook until internal temperature reaches 165°F. 
2 (11oz.) cans mandarin orange sectionsDrained.
2 cups seedless red or green grapesWashed and halved.
1 cup celeryWashed and sliced.
1 cup light ranch dressingMay use recipe in cookbook for dressing. 
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 (16 oz.) can water chestnuts (optional)Drained.

Directions:

Steps:Directions: Critical Control Point /Quality Assurance
1Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta.  Rinse with cold water and drain again.
2In a large mixing bowl combine pasta, chicken or turkey, mandarin oranges, grapes, water chestnuts, pepper and celery.
3Pour dressing over mixture and gently toss.  Cover and chill for 2-4 hours.
4Serve on lettuce lined plates.

Jacqueline Larson M.S., R.D.N. and Associates