Chicken Salad

I have a true love-hate relationship with chicken salad. I hate the usual calories that lurk behind the false identity of the word salad. On the other hand, I sometimes want to lick my plate if a little drops out of a sandwich or a wrap.  Today I was having a gal from the college group over for lunch and I decided to try and make some. It never quite tastes like the restaurant, but I was very pleased with how this turned out. I will definitely make this again.

Ingredients:
4 cups cubed chicken breast (2 large boneless/skinless)
1 1/4 dried cranberries
1 cup reduced fat olive oil- mayo
1 cup diced celery
2 green onions, chopped
1 tsp. seasoning salt
1 tsp. curry powder
sprinkle of granulated garlic

Prepare:
Mix it all together. Chill if possible.

1/4 cup is 112 calories (Perfect amount for a 100 caloried sandwich thin.)
Yum! Enjoy!

Summer...

Well I have not had a lot of time to be super creative lately. We have been eating the typical BBQ, casseroles etc. around the Fridley house. I have tried new recipes here and there but have not had time to take pictures and post. Well, I thought I would at least post this one.... The salsa does give it a different taste. If you want traditional, replace it with more spaghetti sauce!

Pesto Pinwheels

Ingredients:
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 can (about 4 ounces) mushroom stems and pieces, drained
1/2 cup refrigerated pesto sauce
8 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
2 cups Spaghetti Sauce
3/4 cup Picante Sauce
4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese

Directions:
Stir the ricotta, mushrooms and pesto in a medium bowl. Top each noodle with 1/4 cup of the cheese mixture. Spread to the edges. Roll up like a jelly roll. Place the rolls seam-side down in a 2-quart shallow baking dish.

Stir the Spaghetti sauce and picante sauce in a small bowl and pour the mixture over the roll-ups.

Bake at 400°F. for 30 minutes or until they're hot and bubbling. Top with the mozzarella cheese. Bake for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. Let stand for 10 minutes.

These are a few of my favorite things....for summer!

I have not had a lot of time to update recipes partially due to the fact that I haven't made as many recipes lately. Like many of you, we like to grill and eat light dinners in the summer months. I thought I would share a few of my favorite treats for summertime.

#1.

This dressing is amazing. It is only 40 cals for a serving and is great with grilled chicken and a salad. It is my favorite new find so far this summer.

#2.

We buy this Mango Salsa at Costco and it is divine! With only 20 calories per serving, it is a great light snack. I have used it on salads in place of dressing and my sister in law loves to use it as a dip with her celery!

#3. Ok, pretty much any salad is made great with a few sprinkles of feta. I didn't used to be a fan. A friend once made us a salad using this, red peppers, and raspberry vinaigrette. I have been hooked ever since. Other ways are to pair it with raspberries or strawberries and a vinaigrette. My favorite salad recipe thus far...

Pear & Feta Salad

Any kind of lettuce (I like romaine)

Peeled and sliced fresh pears (I did use 3 pears)

Feta Cheese sprinkled in

Dried Cherries (or Cranberries) sprinkled in

Pecan Pieces (honey roasted) made for salads sprinkled

and the main ingredient...

Champagne Pear Vinaigrette that I get at Trader Joe's

#4. Orowheat sandwich thins. 100 calories make these a convenient option for turkey burger buns, sandwiches, etc. You can get them at Costco also for pretty cheap and stick them in the freezer!

#5. And for the kiddos....popsicle molds!  My sister in law gave me a recipe for these that works great!

Popsicles
1 small box of Jello

1 package of Koolaid

1/2 cup of sugar

2 cups of boiling water

2 cups of cold water

Mix dry ingredients in large pitcher. Add boiling water. Stir.

Add cold water. Stir. Pour into molds and freeze 4 hours.

Enjoy!

I also like to crush fresh fruit (strawberries, raspberries) and pour it in. It makes a great fruit bar with no added sugar. Also, for the calorie conscious, we have made them by just filling them with crystal light lemonade or punch!  Fun!

Happy Summer!