It's been way too hot to stay in the kitchen any longer than you absolutely need to! This week I've put together two easy salad recipes for you to try at home. They are quick and easy delicious and light. The bell pepper slaw would be great side dish with a tasty burger, and why not try the grilled chicken salad with seasonal fruit by itself with a cool glass of ice tea or a chilled glass of Chardonnay or Moscato!

Take it easy, stay cool, eat light - and let's hope for cool breezy nights!

 

Bell Pepper Slaw

* 3 tablespoons sugar
* Kosher salt
* 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
* 1 1/2 teaspoons celery seeds
* 1 1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds
* Freshly ground pepper
* 6 bell peppers (red, orange and yellow), cut into thin strips
* 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
* 4 scallions, chopped
* 1/2 head green cabbage thinly sliced and roughly chopped
* 3 tablespoons whole-grain dijon mustard
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Directions

Whisk the sugar and 2 teaspoons salt with the vinegar in a large bowl until dissolved. Add the celery seeds, mustard seeds, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, the bell peppers, celery, scallions and cabbage, and toss to combine. Refrigerate at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to develop.

Add the mustard and mayonnaise to the slaw and toss to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Grilled Chicken Salad with Seasonal Fruit
Ingredients

* 1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
* 1/2 cup pecans
* 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
* 1/2 cup white sugar
* 1 cup vegetable oil
* 1/2 onion, minced
* 1 teaspoon ground mustard
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
* 2 heads Bibb lettuce - rinsed, dried and torn
* 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries

Directions

1. Preheat the grill for high heat.
2. Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill chicken 8 minutes on each side, or until juices run clear. Remove from heat, cool, and slice.
3. Meanwhile, place pecans in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Cook pecans until fragrant, stirring frequently, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat, and set aside.
4. In a blender, combine the red wine vinegar, sugar, vegetable oil, onion, mustard, salt, and pepper. Process until smooth.
5. Arrange lettuce on serving plates. Top with grilled chicken slices, strawberries, and pecans. Drizzle with the dressing to serve.

Until Next Time, Eat Well!

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