Sparkling Fruit Salad

I am making dinner tonight (Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole) for a dear friend who just had a baby girl, and I needed something to go with it. So, I did a quick internet search and found this. It sounds delicious and is the perfect accompaniment for the casserole!

Sparkling Fruit Salad

1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks (I went with a can to save time)

1 11 oz can mandarin oranges, drained

1 c fresh strawberries, halved

1 c green grapes, halved

1 c white grape juice

1/2 c chilled club soda

In a large serving bowl, combine pineapple, oranges, strawberries and grapes. Combine grape juice and club soda. Pour over fruit. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Chicken and Orzo Salad

This is another recipe from Semi-Homemade and what we are having for dinner tonight!

Chicken and Orzo Salad

1 16 oz package orzo

1 c light olive oil and vinegar dressing

3 T reduced-fat pesto with basil

2 c shredded cooked chicken

1 pint cherry tomatoes

1 8 oz block feta cheese, cubed (I am using low fat crumbles instead, and only 4 oz)

1 6 oz bag fresh baby spinach

1 4 0z jar pitted kalamata olives, drained

Prepare orzo according to package directions, drain. Rinse with cold water to cook quickly. Drain well. In a small bowl, stir together dressing and pesto. In a large bowl, combine cooked orzo, chicken, tomatoes, cheese, spinach and olives. Pour dressing mixture over orzo mixture and toss to coat. Enjoy!

Sweet and Sour Spinach Salad

Who can't use a go-to salad recipe? I just found this one below. I'm sure it would also be great with grilled chicken, salmon or shrimp.


Sweet and Sour Spinach Salad

1 package fresh spinach
1/4 lb chopped pecans
1/2 purple onion, chopped
1 package crumbled blue cheese
1 package dried cranberries
1 can diced pears or 1 fresh pear, diced
Balsamic Vinaigrette

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Toss and serve.
This serves 8-10.

Turkey Taco Salad

This recipe is easy, low-fat and requires few ingredients. It also tastes great!


Turkey Taco Salad


1 lb ground turkey meat
1 pkg taco seasoning mix
1 pkg shredded lettuce or iceburg lettuce mix
1 cup shredded cheddar
1/2 c black beans

Cook turkey meat according to directions on the taco seasoning mix pack. Add to lettuce. Toss with cheddar and black beans. You can serve with tortilla chips or just serve as a salad to keep it low-fat. Enjoy!

Lexington Grilled Chicken Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing

Barry has been craving salads, so I made this one up last night. Scott's BBQ sauce (found at Harris Teeter) can be substituted for the marinade from my previous post for Lexington grilled chicken.

Lexington Grilled Chicken Salad with Spicy Ranch Dressing

1/4 bag Trader Joe's frozen roasted corn prepared according to directions
1/2 can black beans
2 leftover Lexington grilled chicken breasts (or 2 chicken breasts marinated in 1 1/2 c Scott's and cooked in the sauce)
1/4 c green onion
1/4-1/2 c cheddar cheese
4 T ranch dressing w/ Scott's added to taste
mixed greens

Toss mixed greens with corn, black beans, green onion, cheddar and dressing. Slice chicken and serve on top. Easy and yummy!