California Chicken Salad

I live in the land of "fruits and nuts".  

California has been called that for years.  I'm sure that they are referring to this figuratively however, I literally live in the land of "fruits and nuts".

Farms are everywhere, producing some of the best fruits and yes, some tasty nuts too!  

Today's dish is all about fruits and nuts.  I took a southern staple, Chicken Salad, and changed it up a bit to make it more "California" style.  Truth be told, the pecans I used (my favorite nut) are not from California, but who's counting? Not me. 

This chicken salad is simple to make, reduced in calories, and oh so tasty!  We shared this for lunch over the weekend with some friends.  I served it in a lettuce lined cup with some crackers, a fruit salad, some pita, and don't forget the iced tea. The perfect meal to have sitting poolside, enjoying the nice weather. 

Everyone raved about the flavors, so this was a big hit.

Equally delicious as a sandwich or in a pita pocket.  You are sure to enjoy this for years to come.

Hope you make this soon.  It's perfect for summer!



California Chicken Salad

serves 4

1/2 c light mayonnaise 

1/2 c sour cream 

1 Tbls lemon juice

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1 lb cooked chicken breasts, chopped 

2 c red and green seedless grapes, cut in half 

1 c chopped pecans 

Lettuce leaves 

In a large bowl add mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, salt & pepper.  Stir to combine.  Add chicken and grapes, folding to coat. Cover and chill 1 hour. Stir in pecans just before serving. 

Serve in dessert glasses lined with lettuce leaves.

Garlic Ginger Chicken Asparagus Stir Fy - Recipe and Product Review

It's been a long time since I've done a product review, but when I find an outstanding product that will save you time in the kitchen I feel I must tell you about it...like now!

I just happened to be walking by my favorite store (Williams-Sonoma) and a display of stir fry cookware and food stopped me dead in my tracks. I love a good stir fry, don't you? I've posted many recipes that prove this such as Tangerine Beef and Bok Choy, Cashew Chicken, and Chicken, Brussels Sprouts and Noodle Stir Fry.  

What's not to love? Great flavors, quick meals, and a wonderful weeknight dinner is served!


I quickly told myself it wouldn't hurt to just pop in the store and take a look at the display. Get some ideas of inspiration for a new dish. Hmmm....yea right.

30 minutes later I exit the store with said bottle of Garlic Ginger Stir Fry Sauce in hand. I surprised I had the control and only bought one item as the whole display was so tempting....pans, woks, tools, and the sauces and spices...oh my! To be honest I'm sooooo glad I bought this sauce. It's amazing.

Photo source: Williams-Sonoma.com

Filled with good stuff like, ginger and garlic with peppery chilies, toasted sesame and rice vinegar.  You can purchase yours here.  

I quickly went home and made this wonderful stir fry filled with chicken, asparagus, summer squash, cashews, and of course the garlic ginger sauce.  Oh man...this is some good stuff! (and the recipe is awesome too.)

Note: this is not a sponsored post, just my love of good products.

Garlic Ginger chicken Asparagus Stir Fry

serves 4

2 Tbls. canola oil
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/3 c cornstarch
kosher salt and pepper
1 bunch of thin asparagus, trimmed
1 summer squash, halved and sliced
1/3 c roasted cashews
1 8.5 oz jar of Garlic Ginger Stir Fry Sauce

Cut chicken in to bite sized pieces. Place cornstarch on a plate and dredge chicken, covering all sides.

Heat oil in a wok or skillet. Add chicken and stir fry over medium high heat about 5-7 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove to a plate and set aside.

If necessary add another tablespoon of canola oil to the skillet. Add asparagus and squash, stirring until crisp tender; about 3-4 minutes. Add cashews and stir 1 minute until toasted brown. Return chicken to the skillet and add the stir fry sauce. Stir constantly until all items are coated and sauce has thickened. Serve over rice or noodles.

Memorial Day Menu Ideas

Memorial Day is for remembering and honoring those that have fought for our freedom and lost there lives to keep what we hold dear.

It is also the unofficial start of summer and grilling season.

So Memorial Day is also a time to celebrate with good food! Here are some of my favorites to inspire you.

Chunky Guacamole - Addictive at best.

Black Bean Salsa - Serve this with chips or over grilled chicken or fish.

Sweet Onion Salsa - Make a huge batch of this, cause it goes quickly!

Cherryade - So delicious and perfect for the holiday.

Orange Iced Tea - A southern favorite, and my favorite too!

Grilled Flank Steak in an Adobo Tomato Sauce - Juicy and tasty steak at it's best.

Grilled Chicken Cordon Bleu - Oh! one of my favs.  Filled with ham and cheese, fabulous.

Blue Cheese Stuffed Burgers - Sinful

Cowboy Salad - Perfect combo of steak and salad.

Grilled Green Beans - A perfect side dish with nice in season beans.

Cheese Focaccia Panzanella with Grilled Ratatouille - soooo delish!

Lemon Pasta Salad with Arugula - light and fresh, you'll love it.

Deconstructed Strawberry Angel Parfait - the perfect ending.

Grandma Landon's Strawberry Cake - a family favorite.

Lemon Tea Bread - would be perfect with a blueberry compote.

Have a safe, happy, delicious holiday weekend everyone!