Midweek Munchies

I find myself constantly pulled in many directions on weeknights between sports, school activities, and spending time with friends and family.  Some nights I just do not have the time to prepare the typical home cooked meal and need a time saver that is still delicious.  This hearty salad is quick to prepare and is also very filling and healthy to boot!

I first created this salad several years ago using grilled chicken, but it is also delicious with shrimp, grilled or smoked salmon, or steak...or, even as a vegetarian dish.  This salad serves four as a main dish, or eight as a side salad.

Grilled Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
8 oz farfalle pasta
1 head romaine lettuce
1 cup of whole, pitted black olives
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
1 cup creamy Caesar salad dressing
1/4 cup pignoli (pine nuts)
1 cup croutons
8 oz grilled chicken breast

Cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente texture. Meanwhile, toast the pignoli over medium heat in a dry skillet until they begin to brown.  Remove the nuts from heat and set aside. Chop the lettuce into bite sized pieces.  Drain and rinse the pasta, and toss all remaining ingredients together and serve. Dinner will be on the table in less than half an hour!