Salads

Salads can be more than just a side dish or minor note in the meal. It is very easy to create a meal with a salad. One of my favorite is a chopped salad.  Growing up we called these "Aunt Wanda's" salad. My Aunt would put everything she could find into a salad.  Sometimes that was a good - sometimes they missed the mark.  Who know that she was on to something big? The idea is to add protein and vegetables to your favorite lettuce.

Chopped Salad

1/2 head of iceberg lettuce - chopped
1 head of Romaine - do not use the "round" end it can be very bitter - also cut the lettuce as you would for a Caesar Salad
2 tomatoes - seeded and cut into bite size pieces
4 scallions - sliced
Diced Cumber - take the skin off
4 Radishes - sliced
Green and Red Peppers - about 1/2 cup diced
1/2 cup of cooked chicken breast chopped
1/2 cup of diced Ham
bacon bits


Combine all of the above in a large bowl and toss.  Then add the dressing and serve. Make sure that you do not drown the salad in dressing.  People can always add more.  For me a simple tablespoon of Mayonnaise is great as a base dressing. It will not wilt the greens as fast as a bottled dressing and is neutral enough that if someone wants a different dressing they can still add their choice without overdressing.  Top with shredded cheese -  Parmesan or Cheddar are good choices.