Pasta Salad

This is the pasta salad from my childhood.  My sister Julie used to make it for every single family occasion.  It is really delicious and really easy.

Pasta Salad

1 lb shell noodles, cooked and cooled (Or macaroni noodles, whichever you prefer)
1 can olives, drained and sliced
2 chopped tomatoes, seeded
Bacon cooked and crumbled, if desired.
Green onion, chopped, if desired

Mix these together in a big bowl.

Dressing:
Mix together
1 cup mayo
1 cup sour cream
1 pkg powdered ranch dressing mix.

Stir 3/4 of the dressing onto the salad.  Let it sit for a little while in the fridge.  Add the rest of the dressing just before serving.

BBQ Chicken Salad

When I ask my family if they would like salad for dinner, this is the salad I am referring to.  It is the best.  Everyone loves it, even the baby.  Seriously.

BBQ Chicken Salad with Cilantro BBQ Dressing

adapted from www.melskitchencafe.com

*Serves 4-6

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken

2 cups BBQ sauce

2 romaine hearts, chopped

2-3 green onions, chopped

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 1/2 cups frozen corn, thawed

1 can (15 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained

4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cubed small or shredded

Creamy BBQ Cilantro Lime Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise, light or regular
1/3 cup milk
1/3 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 garlic clove, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 to 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

For the Dressing:

Combine all the ingredients together in a blender.  Mix until smooth.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.

For the salad:

Combine the cooked chicken and BBQ sauce in a medium bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.

In a large bowl, toss together the romaine lettuce, onion, cilantro, corn, black beans and cheese. Toss the mixed salad with about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the dressing, if desired. Otherwise, you can serve the dressing on the side. Place salad on plates and top with the prepared BBQ chicken and additional dressing.

Broccoli Salad

This recipe is from my friend Molly's mother, Kathy. It is delicious. The end.

1 bunch fresh broccoli

1 lb bacon fried crisp and crumbled

1/2 Cup red onion chopped

1/2 Cup craisins

1/2 Cup sunflower seed meats

Wash, drain, and break broccoli florets. Add the rest of the ingredients.

Mix the dressing and add to salad.

Dressing:

3/4 C mayonnaise

2T red wine vinegar

1/4 C sugar

Serve chilled.

It makes a lot. I doubled it for a BBQ with about 20 people and there was plenty. PLENTY.