Almond Chicken Pasta Salad - cooking recipe

Ingredients

4 cups chicken, cooked and cubed
2 apples, cored and coarsely chopped (2 cups)
8 ounces rotini pasta or 8 ounces bow tie pasta, cooked and drained
1 (8 1/2 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained
1/2 cup seedless grapes, halved
1/3 cup celery, bias cut
1/4 cup green onion, thinly sliced
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup low-fat plain yogurt
1 tablespoon sesame seeds
1 teaspoon lime peel, finely shredded or zested
3 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon honey
2 teaspoons fresh gingerroot, grated
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds
lime slice (optional)
lettuce leaf (optional)
avocado, slices (optional)
sweet red pepper, diced (optional)

Preparation

In a large bowl, toss together the cooked chicken, apples, cooked pasta, pinneapple, grapes, celery and onion.
For dressing, in a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, yogurt, sesame seeds, lime peel, lime juice, honey, gingerroot, and salt.
Pour over the pasta mixture; toss gently to combine.
Cover and chill.
To serve, if necessary, add several tablespoons of milk to moisten. Toss gently.
Serve on lettuce lined plates. Top with almonds. If desired, garnish with lime slices, avocado, and red sweet pepper.