What I'm Loving Now... Summer Salads

There's nothing more refreshing in the summer than a nice salad of some sort. I'm IN LOVE OBSESSED with Panera's Fuji Apple Chicken Salad...

...So I decided to whip up one of my own. It turned out delicious by the way, if I do say so myself! But, what kinda friend would I be if I didn't share it?  So, here's my new favorite summertime recipe.

INGREDIENTS

6 cups field greens (such as arugula, radicchio, curly endive, etc.)

1 cup shredded chicken breast

1/3 cup gorgonzola, crumbled

1/4 cup chopped pecans

2 oz. apple chips


WHITE APPLE BALSAMIC DRESSING

2 tbsp. apple juice concentrate

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 tbsp. white balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/3 cup olive oil

DIRECTIONS

Toss mixed greens, rotisserie chicken, blue cheese, walnuts and apple chips together in a large salad bowl. Whisk together remaining ingredients and pour over salad. Serve immediately.

SUMMER SALAD #2
Here's a quick throw together summer fruit salad perfect for last minute entertaining:

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup bottled poppy seed dressing

2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger

2 avocados, thinly sliced

4 cups loosely packed arugula

2 cups halved seedless green grapes

1 mango, julienned

1 cup diced fresh strawberries

1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

PREPERATION

Whisk together dressing and grated ginger in a large bowl. Cut avocado slices in half crosswise; gently toss with dressing mixture. Add arugula and remaining ingredients; gently toss to coat. Serve immediately.

SUMMER SALAD #3
And finally, my third favorite summer salad has to be this Melon and Mozzerella Salad. I found the recipe in Southern Living Magazine and I've been in love ever since!! I know, it's quite an interesting combination...but it's really yummy on those hot days when you need some light refreshment. C'mon you know you wanna try it....

The picture itself is making my mouth water, geesh!!

Salads are so easy to make, just allow yourself a little prep time like cutting up your ingredients the night before for example. They're also perfect to pack and take in your cooler for a picnic or day at the beach! Have a delicious day everyone!!