Summer/Winter Chicken and Pasta Salad

In summer. . .we are always looking for ways to simplify so I regularly put a few extra chicken breasts on the grill when I prepare grilled chicken. I also enjoy changing the additions to the salad. For summer we use fresh fruits. . .and in winter we use canned and dried. Both are excellent ...I'm offering a few variations to this salad today.

Serving 4 . . .for main course

• 2 thinly sliced grilled boneless chicken breasts
• 1 bag baby spinach washed
• 1 small head of romaine washed and dried and chopped into bite sized pieces
• 1/2 of a small red onion. . .very thinly sliced
• 2 cups of cooked (according to package directions) pasta of your choice. (I used rotini with the fibre that no one sees.) Pasta is optional but makes it more of a meal.
• 1 cup of honey roasted peanuts or salted peanuts that have been tossed in a saucepan with 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 tablespoon water over heat until melted and glazed. (nuts are optional)
• 1 cup of dried cranberries. . .or for summer try raspberries
• 540 ml jar of mandarin oranges drained. . or for summer 1 large thinly sliced peach
• 1 cup of sliced seedless grapes. . . or for summer use blueberries
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds to sprinkle on top
• a small handful of thinly sliced toasted tortilla shells. . (for garnish. . and optional)

Dressing

• 1/2 cup white or rice vinegar
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 cup purchased teriyaki sauce
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2 tablespoons warmed natural peanut butter .. . .(optional)

1. Combine the dressing ingredients in a small container with a lid. . .so you can give it a good shake.
2. To your drained pasta. . add half the dressing and allow to chill in the refrigerator for several hours or even overnight.
3. Just before serving, toss the pasta with the romaine, spinach and onion. Add enough dressing to coat .. not too heavy .. don't add it all at once.
4. Just before serving. . .plate your salad. Divide the greens and pasta between your dishes. Add the sliced chicken, and then the rest of the goodies. . .