-summer salad-

Summer time I always enjoy a fresh, cool salad especially on a warm night.  However, sometimes salads can get old with the same old tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and feta cheese.  I usually find something new to place in my salads whether is be an ingredient or an herb.  There are so many opportunities to swap things out, add new things, and create a new twist in the kitchen.  So last night I created a salad that was a combination of old recipes along with some creativity and it was exceptional.  

Chicken Summer Salad (2-3 servings)

2 heads romaine lettuce

2 cups chopped chicken

1 apple (diced, 1 in cubes)

1/4 cup chopped green onions

2 tablespoons dried cranberries

2 tablespoons slivered almonds

Dressing

1/4 cup lemon juice

3 tablespoons canola oil

1 tablespoon dijon mustard

1 1/2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon poppy seeds

In a bowl add chopped lettuce, chicken, apple, green onions, cranberries, and almonds.  In a small bowl whisk together the lemon juice, canola oil, dijon mustard, honey, and poppy seeds.  Pour the dressing over the salad and mix.  Divide and serve!

There are so many other things that could be added to this salad to create a new flavor.  Avocados, chives, dried apricots, or golden raisins would add lots of flavor.  Next time I may try something new. Experimenting with food is always fun and adventurous.