Summer Time Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad

hosted by Ann Kroker

Wagon Wheel Pasta Salad with Smoked Chicken, Apples, Peppers, and Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Vinaigrette

10 c wagon wheel pasta, cooked

1 lb smoked chicken, chopped

2 green apples, cored and cut in 1/2 inch pieces

2 celery stalks, cut in 1/4 inch slices

1 red bell pepper, baked stemmed seeded and cut in 1/2 inch dices

radicchio leaves

1/4 c pine nuts, toasted

1/4 c coarsely chopped italian pasley

Dressing

6 T olive oil

6 T packed drained sun dried tomatoes

1/4 c lemon juice

2 T pine nuts, toasted

2 T parmesan cheese

8 large fresh basil leaves

1 small clove garlic

Dressing:

Put all into a food processor with the metal blade. Pulse the machine several times til mix is coarsely chopped then processs continously stoppig 2 to 3 times to scrape down sides of bowl, til dressing is smooth Set aside

Salad:

Mix all except radicchio, pine nuts, and parsley Toss well with enough dressing to coat Arrange radicchio leaves on a platter or individual serving plates Mound salad on top Garnish with pine nuts and parsley.