Ingredients
1 lb penne pasta
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1/2 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning (to taste)
2 cups red grapes (seedless, sliced in half)
4 green onions (thinly sliced)
1/3 cup pecans (coarsely chopped)
1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese (crumbled)
1 cup mayonnaise (for best results, use a quality brand like Best Foods)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar (you may use apple cider vinegar, but rice vinegar is better here)
3 tablespoons white sugar (to taste)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (regular table salt will be too salty)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (to taste)
Directions
Cook the pasta according to the package directions, not al dente. You don't want it to be too gummy or too mushy. Drain in a colander and run cold water over until it's completely cold. Transfer to a large bowl.
Sprinkle the chicken breasts with lemon pepper. Grill the chicken breasts by whatever method you prefer. You may use a panini type grill, a barbecue grill, or simply bake in the oven. Your cooking times will vary based on your method, but just make sure the breasts are fully cooked by reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees, or when the juices run clear. Allow the chicken pieces to cool until you can handle them. Slice the chicken thinly, then cut slices in half so they are bite-sized. Spread out to cool completely while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, oil, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper until well combined. This is your dressing.
Add the chicken, grapes, green onions, pecans, and gorgonzola cheese to the bowl with the pasta and toss gently to combine. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and stir to coat everything evenly.
Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
If the salad is too stiff after prolonged refrigeration, you can make it creamy again by stirring in a little bit of olive oil, milk, or warm water.
Gorgonzola cheese is similar to blue cheese, but slightly milder. It is an acquired taste for some people, so feel free to use more or less to taste. You can also substitute feta cheese or goat cheese if you prefer.
You can use any type of pasta you like for this salad, such as bowtie, fusilli, or rotini. Just make sure to cook it according to the package directions and rinse it well with cold water.
You can use any kind of cooked chicken for this salad, such as rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or canned chicken. Just make sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
You can add more veggies to this salad if you like, such as chopped celery, cucumber, bell pepper, or broccoli.
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