California Salad

Yum

 Happy 4th of July!

So many wonderful memories of this holiday and my childhood.  Joining the 4th of July parade with my bike all decked out with red, white, and blue flags and crepe paper in the spokes.  Then having a great cook out in the back yard and finally going over to the park to lay on a huge blanket and watching the fireworks at night.  Oh, I just love the feeling of this holiday!

These days we often have a pool party and grill prior to watching the fireworks.  Sometimes we have a potluck style get together, other times we have a themed menu.

This year we're having a potluck style get together with many friends.  Each bringing their own favorite dishes.  Tons of food, lots of friends, great fun!

I'm bringing a wonderful salad I call a California Salad.  My inspiration came from a small salad shop that we used to eat at frequently.  They had this salad that was full of fruit, topped with chicken, and had a sweet dressing.  This is my version, and it's perfect for any potluck, or holiday celebration.

To make this easier use leftover roasted chicken, (or roast a breast or two fresh, or pick up a rotisserie chicken!) and slice the breasts thinly.  

Hope you enjoy this salad, it's fresh, light, and delishhh!

California Salad

1 head of Romaine Lettuce, torn

1/2 c Blueberries

1 1/2 c Strawberries, sliced

1 c Pineapple, cut into chunks

1/3 c Mandarin Oranges

1 Roasted Chicken Breast, sliced

1/3 c Pecans Halves 

1/3 c Poppyseed Dressing

Fill a bowl with the torn lettuce.  Add blueberries, strawberries, pineapple and Mandarin oranges.  Add slices of roasted chicken breast on top.  Sprinkle with pecan halves.  Drizzle with poppyseed dressing.  Toss to distribute dressing and serve.