Pasta: Curried Chicken and Pasta Salad

By pavaldez

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried gemelli or rotini pasta
• 1 small pineapple
• 1 small papaya
• 5 cups shredded romaine
• 1 1/2 cups cubed cooked chicken
• 1/2 cup light mayonnaise dressing or salad dressing
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 to 2 fresh jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped (see tip, page 21)
• 2 teaspoons cashew halves and pieces, toasted (optional)

Details

Servings 4

Preparation

Step 1

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain pasta. Rinse with cold water; drain again. Meanwhile, to prepare pineapple, remove crown. Wash and peel pineapple; remove eyes and core. Slice pineapple; cut slices in half. To prepare papaya, peel, halve, and scoop out seeds. Slice papaya.

2. In a large salad bowl combine cooked pasta, pineapple, papaya, romaine, and chicken. Toss lightly to mix. Divide salad among four plates.

3. For dressing, in a small mixing bowl stir together mayonnaise dressing, honey, rice vinegar, curry powder, sesame oil, and jalapeño peppers. Drizzle dressing over salads. If desired, sprinkle with cashew halves and pieces. Makes 4 servings.