Chicken Poppy Seed Pasta Salad

Ingredients and Weight:

• Cooked chicken, diced - 1 lb
• Pasta, cooked and cooled - 1 lb
• Celery, chopped - 1 cup
• Onion, chopped - 1/2 cup
• Grapes, halved - 1 cup
• Dried cranberries - 1/2 cup
• Poppy seeds - 2 tablespoons
• Mayonnaise - 1/2 cup
• Sour cream - 1/4 cup
• Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon
• Honey - 1 tablespoon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation Time:

15 minutes

Cooking Time:

(Pasta cooking time)

Difficulty Level:

2 (Easy)

Preparation Method Steps:

1. In a large bowl, combine the chicken, pasta, celery, onion, grapes, and cranberries.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the poppy seeds, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and mix thoroughly.
4. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the flavors to blend.

Nutritional Information:

Per 1 cup serving (without chicken):

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 15g (5g saturated)
• Sodium: 490mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g (1g fiber, 7g sugar)
• Protein: 15g

Dish Characteristics:

• Refreshing and colorful
• Sweet and tangy
• Easy to prepare
• Ideal for a summer party or picnic

User Comments:

• "This salad is incredibly tasty! The poppy seed dressing adds a unique twist." - Sarah
• "A perfect balance of flavors and textures. Definitely adding this to my regular rotation." - John
• "I love the crunchiness of the grapes and celery. It's a healthy and satisfying dish." - Mary

Special Precautions and Tips:

• Use fresh, crisp ingredients for the best flavor.
• The salad tastes even better when refrigerated overnight.
• If you don't have poppy seeds on hand, you can substitute sesame seeds or sunflower seeds.
• For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.