Ah summer. When I was a kid summer was THE BEST. School was out, the weather was great, there were more things to do and everyone had plenty of time. I grew up in Michigan, and summer was definitely my favorite time of year. I remember swimming and bonfires and camping and FOOD. It was magical. We even ate differently in the summer. Fresh fruits and vegetables were plentiful, whereas they really weren't even available throughout the rest of the year.

As I grew older I somehow lost that summer magic. I moved to southern California with my husband and 3 kids, and summer became just another season, so much like the other seasons. I did my best to create the magic while my kids were young, but by the time they were grown it was gone.

Last year I caught myself dreading summer, and actually heard myself saying the words, "I hate summer." I realized it was time for an intervention. I made a "Summer To Do List" and forced myself to get out there and have fun. I went to the beach, enjoyed Shakespeare in the park, picnicked, swam, watched movies under the stars and ate homemade lavender ice cream AND recruited lots of friends and family to do it all with me. Summer was back! It was such a valuable lesson, as I learned that I have to continue to create my life, my fun.

So as June 21st approaches I've started my new Summer To Do List. I really don't need it anymore, but I'll keep it there as a reminder to create, to enjoy, to have fun.

This blog is part of that. Those of you who know me know that I love good food, and I love to share it with people I love. In an effort to try new things and eat healthily, I've challenged myself to make and share 60 Salads of Summer. My daughter Danica, who is a very creative cook, is helping me. And we're looking forward to sharing the fruits of our labor. I can't promise they'll all be healthy, but I can promise they'll all be delicious. Enjoy!

Friday, August 1, 2014

33. Layered Caribbean Chicken Salad






























My sister, Karin Sawhill, shared this recipe with me.  It’s not only beautiful, but also really delicious.  Words like, vibrant, bright, and refreshing come to mind.   It’s perfectly light for a hot summer night.  Cool mango blends so well with the lime vinaigrette.  The chicken and black beans give it enough oomph to satisfy.  

The recipe says 10 servings.  I’d say it’s more like 4-6, although we’re big salad enthusiasts in my family.  I served it as the main event.  As a side dish, I can see how it might stretch to 10, but not around this house.  My kids were fighting over the last serving.


Ingredients

4 cups torn romaine lettuce
3 cups cut-up cooked chicken
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes
2 ripe medium mangoes, seed removed, peeled and chopped (or 4 smaller, Ataulfo mangoes, same preparation)


Dressing

1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 Tbsp sugar
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped


In a 3-quart glass trifle bowl, layer lettuce, chicken, black beans, tomatoes and mangoes.

Blend the dressing until smooth.

Drizzle over salad and serve immediately.  (Or, cover and refrigerate salad and dressing separately up to 4 hours, and then drizzle with dressing just before serving).



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