Excellent Chicken Salad for large gatherings.

I just got home from several days in beautiful San Clemente California. The ocean and sun were just amazing.

Today I awoke to snow in Colorado.

So with the alive hope of Spring to come (come on now!) I thought I would post a few great spring and summer recipes.

This is one of my all time go to recipes.

I've made this Chicken Salad for many weddings, groups and large events. It is just the best. In fact if you can make it a day ahead it is even better.

I often serve it with another great salad... fresh fruit with lemon whipped topping. (And yes I will post that recipe too.)

Enjoy!

Serves up to 25

5 cups diced and cooked chicken

5 cups macaroni (shells, spiral or any other small macaroni)

4 cups chopped celery

4 cups grapes…(green or red…or half and half)

10 hard boiled eggs cooked and chopped

1 20 oz can of Pineapple tidbits.

1 cup dried cherries or cranberries

1 cup sliced almonds (optional)

1 tea salt and pepper (or to taste)

3 Tablespoons beau monde

Combine all the above in extra large bowl.

Fold in:

2 cups mayo or salad dressing

1 cup sour crème

2 cups cool whip

¼ cup lemon juice

¼ cup sugar

2 tea shredded lemon rind

Allow 2-8 hours to chill. This is a great salad to actually make the night before. The longer it sits the greater the flavor.

Serve with grapes, strawberry dipped in chocolate, and relish skewer..(olive pickle and hot pepper)