Spinach, Chicken, & Pasta Salad

What's better than having a great group of friends? Having a great group of friends who can cook!!! At least 3 times a week I am eating at either Monica's, Erica's, or Britteny's house. I am so grateful to have these amazing women in my life, especially at a time where husbands are deployed. The dinners together are more than just sharing a meal; it is sharing our happiness, sadness, excitement, and all the many things that are happening in our lives. (Between the 4 of us, we have 6 children - ages 3 and under!)

It is pretty common for me to request a recipe after a meal from my friends. Usually I will end up making it at home within a few weeks and then I post about it. Well... this meal was too good to not share right away.

Erica made this AMAZING chicken pasta salad the other night and it was insanely delicious. It was pretty silent while we were eating, which, if you knew the 4 of us, is highly unusual! It was just too good to take time to talk in between bites!

The photo is also from Erica. I joke with her that I need her to come photograph all of my food because she is so talented. Thank you Erica - for the wonderful meal and the beautiful picture.

Enjoy!




Spinach, Chicken, & Pasta Salad

(Makes one GIANT bowl full)

16 oz. bowtie pasta, cooked

Dressing:
1 cup vegetable oil
2/3 cup bottled teriyaki sauce
2/3 cup white wine vinegar
6 Tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Blend dressing and mix with pasta and marinate for 2 hours.

Add the following (right before serving) and toss:

1 1/2 (10 oz) bags spinach
1 (6 oz) bag craisins
3 cans madarin oranges
2 cans sliced waterchestnuts
1/2 cup chopped parsley
1 bunch green onions
1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds
6 oz honey roasted peanuts
2 cups chicken