Pasta Salad with Chicken and Bacon

Cook the pasta as directed on the package. Drain in a colander, then rinse under cold water and drain well.

In a large bowl, combine the diced cooked bacon, cooked chicken, red onion, tomatoes, celery, red bell pepper and parsley, stirring until well mixed.

In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing well. Add the garlic powder, black pepper, salt to taste, cayenne pepper and hot sauce (if using), stirring to combine all the ingredients well. Add this into the vegetable mixture and stir until the vegetables are well coated.

Add the pasta into the vegetable mixture, tossing to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding a touch more mayonnaise if the mixture seems too dry. Cover and refrigerate until serving time.

Recipe makes 6-8 servings.

Adapted from southernfood.about.com.