California Spaghetti Salad

I have to eat more healthy so I will be posting more "heart-smart" recipes.  Although, do not be surprised if I post something that may not be all that healthy we still need to enjoy life.  Today's recipe came from Facebook and was originally posted by Homemade Recipes.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound thin spaghetti broken into 1 inch pieces
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes chopped in half
• 2 zucchini medium, diced
• 1 cucumber large, diced
• 1 green bell pepper medium, diced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1 red onion large, diced
• 2 cans ripe olives 2-¼ ounces each sliced, drained

Dressing:

• 1 bottle Italian salad dressing 16 ounces
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

• Cook the pasta according to package directions.
• Drain using a colander and rinse in cold water. 
• Add cherry tomatoes, zucchini, cucumber, green and red bell pepper, red onion and olives in a large bowl.

To make the dressing:

• Whisk together italian salad dressing, parmesan cheese, sesame seeds, paprika, celery seed, and garlic powder.
• Pour over salad and toss until coated. 
• Cover and refrigerate from 3 hours to overnight.

Southwestern Pasta Salad

In the summer it can get way to hot to cook.  So in our house, summer time means salad time.  This recipe was posted on Facebook and is originally from Easy Homemade Recipes.

Ingredients:

• 16 ounces rotini pasta
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can corn, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup red onion, diced
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, quartered
• 1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
• 2 cups grilled chicken, chopped
• 1 cup chipotle ranch dressing

Directions:

• Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. 
• Drain the cooked pasta and rinse it with cold water. 
• Allow it to dry.
• In a large bowl, combine the drained and rinsed black beans and corn.
• Add the diced bell pepper, red onion, quartered tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and chopped grilled chicken to the bowl.
• Stir in the chipotle ranch dressing until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to a few hours, to allow the flavors to meld together.

Hearty Chicken Panzanella

This hearty salad makes a great lunch.  Brining together summer vegetables, juicy grilled chicken, and chunks of toasted multigrain bread.  Perfect to pack for a picnic.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices multigrain bread
• 1 clove garlic, halved
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small cucumber, chopped
• 1/2 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 8 ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast

Directions:

• Heat grill to medium-high and spray grate with non-stick cooking spray.
• Grill the bread for 1 or 2 minutes.
• Remove the bread from the grill and rub each slice thoroughly with the garlic.
• Cube the bread and place it in a large bowl with the tomatoes, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, and basil.
• Grill chicken for about 15 minutes, turning once.
• Let it rest for 5 minutes then cut it into cubes.
• Toss the salad with a light vinaigrette.

Layered Summer Salad

With great flavour, make-ahead easy, and portability, this salad has it all.  It will make the perfect lunch for our trip west later this summer.  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft Ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups lightly packed torn fresh spinach
• 1 1/2 cups Cracker Barrel shredded mozza-cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cups sliced mushrooms, fresh
• 1 small red onion, sliced, separated into rings
• 2 tomatoes, chopped
• 1 package frozen peas
• 1/2 cup Kraft Mayo real mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup light sour cream
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• 2 Tbsp. Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits

Directions:

• Layer spinach, 1 cup of cheese, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes, and peas in a 3 L serving bowl.
• Mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and basil until blended; spread over salad, completely covering the top.
• Refrigerate for 5 hours.
• Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bacon bits just before serving.

Farmers' Market Pasta Salad

Can you get all of this at the farmer's market?  If you know where to look.  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. orecchiette pasta, uncooked
• 4 cups small broccoli florets
• 1 pkg. baby spinach leaves
• 2 cups grape tomatoes
• 1 yellow pepper, chopped
• 1/4 lb. sliced salami, cut into strips
• 3/4 cup Kraft Extra Virgin Olive Oil Tuscan Italian Dressing
• 1/4 cup Kraft 100% Parmesan Aged Grated Cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Directions:

• Cook pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, omitting salt and adding broccoli to the boiling water for the last 4 min.; drain. Cool.
• Combine pasta mixture with all remaining ingredients except cheese and basil in large bowl. Refrigerate 1 hour.
• Top with cheese and basil just before serving.

Apple, Walnut, And Savoy Cabbage Salad

Another recipe from my recipe-a-day calendar.  This looks like a wonderful summer salad.

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/3 cup cider vinegar
• 3 tbl. honey
• 2 pinches kosher saly
• Fresh ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1 head savoy cabbage
• 2 apples
• 1/2 cup percorino romano cheese

Directions:

• For the dressing: whisk together olive oil, cider vinegar, honey, salt and pepper.
• Thinly slice savoy cabbage.
• Core 2 apples and chop them.
• Using a vegetable peeler, shave 1/2 cup of romano cheese.
• To serve, place cabbage on a serving plate, then top with apples, walnuts, cheese, and dressing.

Grilled BBQ Chicken Salad

Fire up the grill!  Crisp salad greens and chopped vegetables are topped with BBQ chicken in this simple main dish salad.  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 4 small boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 each red and yellow pepper, cut into quarters
• 1 zucchini, cut lengthwise in half
• 1/2 cup Kraft Original BBQ Sauce
• 2 Tbsp. Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
• 6 cups loosely packed torn salad greens
• 2 Tbsp. Kraft Rancher's Choice Dressing

Directions:

• Grill chicken 4 min., turn. 
• Add peppers and zucchini to barbecue. 
• Grill chicken and vegetables 8 to 10 min. or until chicken is done and vegetables are crisp-tender, turning occasionally and brushing chicken with barbecue sauce and vegetables with Italian dressing.
• Slice chicken and vegetables. 
• Add to salad greens in large bowl; mix lightly. 
• Drizzle with ranch dressing.

Chicken Fajita Salad

Love fajitas, get that same delicious flavour in a salad.  Now that's a fresh summery twist on fajitas.  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 tsp. chili powder
• 1 lb. (450 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 each red and green pepper, quartered
• 8 cups torn leaf lettuce
• 1/4 cup chopped red onions
• 1/2 cup Cracker Barrel Shredded Light Double Cheddar Cheese
• 1/4 cup Kraft Calorie-Wise Rancher's Choice Dressing

Directions:

• Mix lime juice and chili powder; pour over chicken in shallow dish. 
• Turn chicken over to coat both sides of each breast. 
• Refrigerate 20 min. to marinate. 
• Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade.  
• Heat barbecue to medium heat. 
• Grill chicken and peppers 5 min. on each side or until chicken is done and peppers are tender.  
• Cut peppers into thin strips; place in large bowl. 
• Add lettuce and onions; mix lightly. 
• Place on 4 plates. 
• Cut chicken diagonally into thin strips; place on salads. 
• Top with cheese and dressing.

Watermelon Salad

This recipe combines watermelon, cucumbers, red onions and creamy poppyseed dressing for a delicious and refreshing salad. Perfect for summer gatherings, this easy-to-make salad is sure to become a new family favorite.  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups loosely packed torn Boston lettuce
• 2 cups seedless watermelon chunks (1 inch)
• 3/4 cup quartered cucumber slices
• 1/3 cup thin small red onion slices, separated into rings
• 1/3 cup Kraft Creamy Poppyseed Dressing

Directions:

• Combine first 4 ingredients in large bowl.
• Add dressing; toss to coat.

Spring Salad With Roast Chicken

Spring time and a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of salad or something like that,  As always...Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 5 asparagus spears, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 2 Tbsp. Kraft Sun-Dried Tomato & Oregano Dressing
• 1/2 cup chopped cooked chicken
• 1/4 cup (about 30g) cubed Cracker Barrel Monterey Jack Cheese
• 1 tomato, cut into wedges

Directions:

• Place asparagus on microwaveable plate with 1/4 cup water; cover and vent. 
• Microwave on HIGH 1 min.
• Spoon dressing into individual salad bowl.
• Top with chicken, cheese, asparagus and tomato. 
• Toss lightly.

Chicken, Green Bean and Tomato Salad

This salad recipe is crunchy and fresh.  Satisfying chicken, crunchy veggies and tender greens, all tossed with savoury dressing.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups lightly packed mixed salad greens
• 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken 
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup blanched green beans
• 1/4 cup Kraft Extra Virgin Olive Oil Greek Feta Dressing

Directions:

• Toss all ingredients to combine in large serving bowl.

Mediterranean Marinated Vegetable Salad

"Unofficial" Month of Recipes - Day 30

A colourful medley of summer vegetables. Top with 4 cups of cooked chicken for a main-dish salad.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 large tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 1 each green and yellow pepper, coarsely chopped 
• 1 zucchini, cut lengthwise in half, then sliced crosswise 
• 1/4 cup thin red onion slices
• 1/2 cup Kraft Zesty Italian Dressing
• 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup Cracker Barrel Shredded 4 Cheese Italiano Cheese

Directions:

• Combine vegetables in large bowl.
• Whisk dressing, basil and garlic until blended. 
• Add to vegetables; toss to coat.
• Add cheese; mix lightly. 
• Refrigerate 1 hour.

Cheddar-Chicken Crunch Salad

"Unofficial" Month of Recipes - Day 23

This chicken salad is great for lunch, either at home or as part of a packed lunch.  The broccoli adds great texture and the chicken, cheese and bacon ensure great flavour in every bite.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Miracle Whip Original Spread
• 1/4 cup Kraft Rancher's Choice Dressing
• 4 cups small fresh broccoli florets
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breasts
• 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onions
• 1/2 cup Cracker Barrel Shredded Mozza-Cheddar Cheese
• 1/4 cup Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits

Directions:

• Mix Miracle Whip and dressing in large bowl until blended.
• Add all remaining ingredients except cheese and bacon; mix lightly.
• Refrigerate 1 hour. 
• Top with cheese and bacon just before serving.

Sweet Potato and Ginger Salad

"Unofficial" Month of Recipes - Day 15

This sweet potato salad will leave you wanting more!  It's a creative twist on the typical potato salad, featuring sweet potatoes with crunchy celery and a creamy dressing.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 lb. sweet potatoes, cut into large chunks, cooked and cooled
• 4 stalks celery, diagonally sliced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup Miracle Whip Calorie-Wise Spread
• 2 Tbsp. each: honey and lemon juice
• 1 tsp. grated gingerroot

Directions:

• Combine potatoes, celery and parsley in large bowl.
• Mix remaining ingredients. 
• Add to potato mixture; toss to coat. 
• Cover.
• Refrigerate several hours or until chilled.

Spaghetti and Tuna Pasta Salad

"Unofficial" Month of Recipes - Day 8

Here's a great pasta recipe made with spaghetti, broccoli, corn, tuna and miracle whip.   Made with pantry staples you have on hand, this delicious pasta salad couldn't be any easier to make!  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 220 g spaghetti, broken in half, uncooked
• 2 cups small broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup Miracle Whip Original Spread
• zest and juice from 1 lemon
• 1 can chunk light tuna in water, drained, flaked
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed

Directions:

• Cook spaghetti in large saucepan as directed on package.
• Add broccoli to the boiling water for the last 4 min.
• Meanwhile, mix Miracle Whip, lemon zest and juice until blended.
• Drain spaghetti mixture. 
• Rinse with cold water until cooled; drain well. 
• Place in large bowl. 
• Add tuna, corn and Miracle Whip mixture; mix lightly.

California Club Pasta Salad

"Unofficial" Month of Recipes - Day 3

The flavours of your favourite classic sandwich come together in this warm-weather pasta side salad that's perfect for family gatherings or potluck parties.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup Kraft Rancher's Choice Dressing
• 1/4 cup Miracle Whip Original Spread
• 2 cups rotini pasta, cooked, cooled
• 1 cup coarsely chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 avocado, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped plum tomatoes
• 1/4 cup Oscar Mayer Real Bacon Bits

Directions:

• Mix Ranch Dressing and Miracle Whip until blended.
• Combine all remaining ingredients except bacon bits in large bowl. 
• Add dressing mixture; mix lightly.
• Refrigerate 1 hour. 
• Top with bacon bits just before serving.

KD Picnic Salad

The church choir summer BBQ season is in full swing.  And this pasta salad is a perfect dish to bring for a gathering.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 2 pkg Kraft Dinner Macaroni and Cheese
• 2 cups broccoli florets 
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 large tomato, chopped 
• 150 g deli ham, chopped 
• 1/2 cup Miracle Whip Original Spread

Directions:

• Prepare Kraft Dinner as directed on package.  
• Refrigerate 30 min.  
• Add remaining ingredients.
• Mix lightly.

Dill Pickle Pasta Salad

Pickles usually play a supporting role in recipes.  But not this time.  This recipe comes from Pinterest.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups dry shell pasta
• ¾ cup sliced pickles
• ⅔ cup cheddar cheese, diced
• 3 tablespoons finely diced white onion
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill
• ½ cup pickle juice

Dressing

• ⅔ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 tablespoons pickle juice
• salt & pepper to taste

Directions:

• Boil pasta al dente according to package directions. Run under cold water to stop cooking.
• Toss cold pasta with about ½ cup of pickle juice and set aside for about 5 minutes. 
• Drain & discard pickle juice.
• Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and mix well.
• Toss all ingredients in a large bowl. 
• Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Mexican Cobb Salad

The perfect summer dish.  This colourful cobb salad has south-of-the-border appeal.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups torn romaine lettuce
• 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
• 1 large tomato, chopped 
• 8 slices oven roasted turkey breast, coarsely chopped 
• 1 can black beans, rinsed
• 1 cup Cracker Barrel Shredded Tex Mex Cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped red onions
• 1/2 cup Kraft Rancher's Choice Dressing
• 1/2 cup salsa

Directions:

• Cover platter with lettuce; top with next 6 ingredients.
• Mix dressing and salsa; drizzle over salad just before serving.

Heavenly Fruit Salad

The weather is starting to get warmer, albeit slowly and reluctantly.  Time to think of cool, light snacks and desserts.  As always... Kraft recipe, Kraft ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup Miracle Whip Original Spread
• 1 navel orange, sectioned
• 1 banana, sliced
• 1 can pineapple chunks in juice, drained
• 1 cup Jet-Puffed Miniature Marshmallows
• 6 lettuce leaves
• 3/4 cup sweetened flaked coconut

Directions:

• Mix sour cream and Miracle Whip in medium bowl until blended.
• Stir in fruit and marshmallows. 
• Refrigerate several hours.
• Serve on lettuce-covered plates. 
• Sprinkle with coconut.