PASTA SALAD WITH CHICKEN AND BACON

By Nanadi-2

It is HOT everyone right now and so while I am trying to provide you with some great recipe ideas for baking and cooking, I also need to provide some COOL salad ideas as well! Here is one I think you will like! This is one of my favorite pasta dishes and it's COLD. If you plan right you dont even need to flick on a stove top! Give this a try!

Ingredients

• 8 oz. mini penne pasta or macaroni
• 6-8 slices bacon, diced and cooked until done but not crisp (or use store "already diced" bacon)
• 2 c. diced cooked chicken breast (about 2-3 chicken breast halves, cooked) (or buy "ready made" diced chicken in store)
• 1/2 c. finely chopped red onion
• 2 plum tomatoes, seeds removed, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 1/3 c. diced red bell pepper
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper, or to taste
• Salt, to taste
• 1/2-3/4 c. mayonnaise
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
• OPTIONAL: A few dashes of hot sauce-probably about 1/4 tsp. if measured

Details

Adapted from facebook.com

Preparation

Step 1

Cook pasta following package directions; drain in a colander, then rinse under cold water and drain well.

In a large bowl, combine diced bacon, chicken, red onion, tomatoes, celery, red bell pepper (if using) and parsley; toss to blend the ingredients.

Combine 1/2 c. mayonnaise and lemon juice (and lemon zest, if using); mix well. Add garlic powder, pepper, and salt to taste (this is where I added the cayenne pepper and hot sauce). Add to vegetable mixture and stir until vegetables are coated. Add pasta; toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings. Refrigerate until serving time.