The Kitchen Cupboard,Flavorful Salad's And Dressings

• Chicken Salad With Balsamic Vinaigrette -
• 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1 cup sliced roasted red bell pepper
• 1/2 cup minced celery
• 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons sliced fresh basil
• Balsamic Vinaigrette(recipe follows)
• pita pockets, split
• leaf lettuce

In medium bowl, combine chicken,bell peppers,celery,pine nuts,and basil. Add Balsamic Vinaigrette,tossing gently to coat.Cover, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Serve in pita pockets with leaf lettuce, if desired.

Balsamic Vinaigrette-

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 cup white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil,vinegar,mustard,salt,and pepper. Cover,and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Almond Broccoli Salad-

6 cups small broccoli florets
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup raisins
10 slices bacon,cooked and crumbled
3 green onions,sliced
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 package honey roasted sliced almonds
In a medium bowl,combine first 5 ingredients.
In a small bowl,stir together mayo,honey,and lemon juice.
Pour over broccoli mixture,tossing gently to coat.Stir in almonds just before serving.

A Few Salad Dressings To Jazz Up A Boring Salad-

 Fresh Herb Vinaigrette-

1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 cup white or cider vinegar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs leaves(basil,majoram,oregano,rosemary,tarragon or thyme)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 medium green onion,finely chopped(1 tablespoon)
Shake all ingredients in tightly covered container.Shake before serving.

Lemon Vinaigrette-

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 clove garlic, finely chopped

Shake all ingredients in tightly covered container. Refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavors.

Avocado Dressing-
1 large avocado, peeled and mashed with 2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/3 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
Dash of cayenne pepper

Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth.Chill and serve.