The Best Broccoli Salad

INGREDIENTS

Dressing:
• 3/4 cup light or regular mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
Salad:
• 1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli, chopped into small bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup golden raisins (optional)
• 3/4 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 small shallot or red onion, finely diced (about 1/4 cup)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

DIRECTIONS

1. In a small bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, toss the salad ingredients together. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat all the ingredients with the sauce. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Right before serving, give the salad another good toss to recombine any dressing that may have settled at the bottom.

http://www.melskitchencafe.com/the-best-broccoli-salad/

Bow Tie Chicken Pasta Salad

12 oz. bow tie pasta

12 oz. spiral pasta

20 oz. can pineapple tidbits (drained)

2 cups chopped celery

2 cups red and green grapes, sliced in half

2 cans mandarin oranges (drained)

4 cups chicken, cooked and cut up

Cashews (optional)

***Dressing:

16 oz. Kraft Coleslaw Dressing

½ cup mayo

½ cup miracle whip

1 tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

Cook pasta and let cool.  Add all other ingredients.  Just before serving, mix dressing ingredients together and pour on salad.  Stir well.  Good with homemade rolls or breadsticks.

(Note: Instead of the mayo and miracle whip we use Greek yogurt - it's healthier and avoids the egg allergy.  We think it's just as good!)