Serving Up: Broccoli, Grape and Pasta Salad

As we enter summer I find myself craving light meals and meals that don't require the stove or oven to be turned on.  This salad fits the bill and makes a perfect summertime meal.  It is light and refreshing and is satisfying enough to be called dinner.  Although, it would also make a perfect accompaniment to some chicken right off the grill if you are opposed to a meatless meal.

My kids are still too young to appreciate a salad like this.  Although they like every single ingredient, once they are tossed together they become seemingly untouchable - so at our house this is served with a side of chicken nuggets (or something similarly child friendly) while my husband and I enjoy the salad as though we are enjoying a secret that only we share.

One Year Ago:  Pumpkin Muffins
                          Mallow Fruit Dip

BROCCOLI, GRAPE AND PASTA SALAD     
(recipe from Southern Living)
printable version

1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
1/2 (16-oz.) package bow-tie pasta
1 pound fresh broccoli
1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sugar
1/3 cup diced red onion
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp. salt
2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
8 cooked bacon slices, crumbled

Prepare pasta according to package directions.
Meanwhile, cut broccoli florets from stems, and separate florets into small pieces using tip of a paring knife.
Whisk together mayonnaise, sugar, red onion, vinegar and salt in a large bowl.  To the dressing add the broccoli, cooked pasta, and grapes and stir to coat.
Cover and chill for at least 3 hours.
Stir bacon and pecans into salad just before serving.

Serving Up {Sandwich}: Cashew Chicken Salad

There is something about Chicken Salad served on a croissant that just declares "baby shower" or "church luncheon" - or at least that is what I relate them to in my own life.  But church luncheons are too infrequent and I think I may have outgrown my years of being a frequent guest at baby showers.  Desperate times call for desperate measures - time to make my own chicken salad and eat it in the privacy of my own home for my own lunch with only the company of my own children.  And I'm okay with that!

This recipe is SO simple.  That is how I like my chicken salad - simple.  I like the pop of the grapes as I bite into them, I like the crunch of the cashews and I prefer to leave the celery out (but you can add it if you are so inclined).  The thing about chicken salad is that it's one of those "mix the ingredients, taste it, add more of something, taste it again."  The recipe is simply a starting point.  But a pretty good place to start in my opinion :)  I hope you agree.

CASHEW CHICKEN SALAD     

printable version

4 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or cubed
2 cups cashews, to taste
2 cups halved red seedless grapes, to taste
1 cup celery, chopped (optional)
3 green onions, chopped
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
Real Foods Mayonnaise
1/2 fresh lemon **(see my tip)

Cook chicken breasts through and either cube them or shred them.
** I like to cook the chicken in a slow cooker and shred it.  I squeeze 1/2 fresh lemon over the chicken as I shred it and it adds a "bright" flavor to the chicken salad.
Combine chicken, grapes, celery, onion, pepper and salt in a large bowl.  Begin with 2 cups of mayonnaise and continue to add more mayonnaise until the chicken salad is as moist (or dry) as you prefer.
Add the cashews to the mix just prior to serving.
Serve on buns or croissants.  Garnish with lettuce, tomatoes or red onion, as desired.

Serving Up {Salad}: Sweet Grape Salad

This fruit salad just screams summer.  It's cool, refreshing, delightfully sweet and just plain delicious.  In truth, it makes a perfect summer dessert!  The only problem with serving it as dessert is that then you may feel a bit of guilt when you go back for seconds - whereas if it's served as the "fruit salad" then seconds are welcomed.  Right?  Please tell me I can go back for seconds.

I know that the first time you read the list of ingredients you will have some doubt enter your mind, but you have to trust me on this one.  I have taken this salad to multiple pot luck gatherings and at each one I have heard the low rumble of "who brought the grape salad? who brought the grape salad?"  It's one of those dishes that if you choose to take it to share, you may as well print the recipe to bring along because there will be requests.

SWEET GRAPE SALAD     
(recipe adapted from Cassie Craves)
printable version

3-4 pounds red seedless grapes (the original recipe only calls for 2 pounds but I use nearly double)
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
8 oz. sour cream
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup brown sugar, plus some additional to garnish
1/4 cup chopped pecans, plus some additional to garnish

Wash the grapes and remove from their stems.  Allow to air dry.
In a large bowl combine the cream cheese, sour cream, white sugar and vanilla.  Blend until smooth.  Gently fold in the grapes, 1/4 cup of pecans and 1/4 cup of brown sugar.
Sprinkle with brown sugar and chopped pecans to garnish.  Refrigerate until ready to serve.