Ultimate Chicken-Pasta Salad

By á-174535

Sweet and savory chicken pasta salad is perfect for an easy dinner. Cherries give it a bit of tart sweetness, with almonds and celery giving a bit of crunch.

Ingredients

• DRESSING:
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
• 2 teaspoons poppy seed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• SALAD:
• 1 (16 ounce) box gemelli pasta
• 2 cups diced cooked chicken
• 1 cup sweetened dried cherries
• 1/2 cup sliced celery
• 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted

Details

Servings 1
Cooking time 150mins
Adapted from bettycrocker.com

Preparation

Step 1

In small bowl, mix dressing ingredients with wire whisk until well blended. Cover; refrigerate until ready to use.

Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain well.

In large bowl, mix cooked pasta, chicken, cherries and celery. Mix dressing mixture again with wire whisk to recombine; pour over salad and toss gently to coat. Refrigerate 1 to 2 hours before serving to chill salad and blend flavors. Stir in almonds.

Expert Tips:
To toast almonds, spread on cookie sheet; bake at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown. Make a day ahead; cover and refrigerate. Stir the salad before serving. If needed, add a tablespoon or two of milk to make it more creamy.