DIY Picnic Placemat + Chicken Pasta Salad Recipe

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chicken pasta salad recipe


One of my favorite things to make this Summer is Chicken Pasta Salad because it’s so versatile. We have made it for BBQ get togethers with all the toppings on the side so everyone can make their own salad. I’ve also used it as a main dish. It has veggies all throughout, pasta and chicken. But I’ve also used it as a side dish. 

This is a favorite because I can quickly grab a precooked Marketside rotisserie chicken at Walmart and I don’t have to worry about heating my house while making this meal. Plus, it throws together so quickly, it’s a perfect last minute meal too!

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The other day we took a family picnic to the park, and this was the most perfect meal to take with us. I didn’t have to worry about a million different things to carry, just one big bowl of salad and we took a 2 liter of coke as well. Simple, delicious and filling all at the same time!

chicken pasta salad
rotisserie chicken

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Chicken Pasta Salad
 
Ingredients
  • 1 12oz box bowtie pasta - cooked
  • 1 large cucumber - cubed
  • 1 large tomato - cubed
  • 8 oz package of sliced mushrooms
  • 1 full rotisserie chicken - shredded
  • Favorite Italian Dressing
  • Shredded Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, top with italian dressing and toss until everything is covered in dressing. Chill until ready to serve.

DIY Picnic Placemat Tutorial

Also while we were at the park we used the new picnic placemats that I made a few weeks ago. You guys, these things are brilliant….I don’t have to worry about what my kids are eating off of…who knows what is on those park picnic tables. And they are so easy to make..wanna see?

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I
 started with a $1 placemat (Yup, only $1) and some scrap fabric I had around the house. I cut the spare fabric into a 7×5 inch section, and then ironed the edges in 1/4 of an inch. I then did a straight stitch all the way around to hold the edges down (to keep from fraying). Then I sewed the patch onto the bottom corner of the placemat, stitching the bottom and two sides but leaving the top unstitched. Last I did 2 straight stitches, dividing the pocket into 3 sections.

DIY picnic placemat

It’s that easy!!! Seriously! I did a video too if you are more of a visual person…. 

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Chicken Pasta Salad - This is the best salad. It can be used as a side dish or even as a man entree.

Another great idea for a family picnic to the park would be picking up the Marketside pizza and grill it while at the park! I would love to know what your favorite and quick meal is to make during the Summer. Leave the recipe or a link to it in the comments below.

 

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Comments

  1. The picnic placemat is adorable! I agree, I don’t enjoy having my young kids eat off the park tables. This is a brilliant idea. And that chicken pasta salad looks cool and refreshing for a hot summer day. #client

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