A Personal Twist on Chicken Pasta Salad

Every time I take my chicken pasta salad to an event, everyone wants the recipe. I have to laugh because there really isn't much to the recipe--it starts off with HEB Creamy Parmesan Pasta Mix. When I tell people this, they are a bit surprised. Actually, the mix is pretty bland, but it is my personal twist that makes it special.

This is true for many recipes or instant mixes. As is, they are ho-hum. You have to be a bit creative and willing to experiment to take ho-hum to ho-yeah! Sometimes it may be a special spice, an extra flavorful or premium ingredient or the addition of meat, cheese, etc.

In the case of the chicken pasta salad, here is how I make it "mine."

Prepare one box of HEB Creamy Parmesan Pasta Mix according to directions and make the following changes.

Use premium olive oil, but reduce the amount to 1 Tbs.

Use the juice of 1/2 lemon or lime

Add 1 Tbs. of red wine vinegar

Add 2 Tbs. of Melting Pot Garlic Wine Seasoning (makes anything taste better)

Add 2 c. cubed, cooked chicken breast

Add 1/2 additional c. of mayonnaise

Mix all ingredients. Let set for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to combine.


As you can see, there is nothing "magic" about this recipe. The changes came from trial and error, but the result is fabulous. Don't be afraid to experiment. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't, but overall you will wind up with better recipes even from mixes.

Revisiting Steak

I rarely (no pun intended) can finish a steak when I order it in a restaurant. With the escalating portion sizes, it is almost impossible for me to leave without leftovers.

The problem with reheating steaks is that they really don't taste good the second time around. I finally found a way for a good reheated steak.

The trick is to cook the steak like the restaurant--in butter. I melt 2 T. of butter in a skillet and reheat the steak on medium heat. I order my steaks medium so that they won't be more than medium well when reheated (unless you like a well done steak). I also use my favorite seasoning--Melting Pot's Garlic Wine Seasoning. You can order this online or buy it at the restaurant. I love this seasoning on meats, in soups, salads, eggs, just about any savory dish. It really freshens up the flavor of a leftover steak.

Serve the reheated steak with the melted butter from the skillet. You will enjoy a moist, flavorful steak that is almost as good the second time around.