Saturday, May 13, 2017

Berry Chicken Salad

It's almost berry season, so toss your favorite berries onto this salad for a perfect summer meal.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/530861874816756278/
 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/530861874816756278/

We've always had a large garden. The row of raspberry bushes was always my favorite. As a kid, I would pick raspberries, strawberries and blueberries from the garden and Granny would make a pie with them. She's an amazing cook and her pie crusts were especially good.



While picking raspberries, it was always fun watching the cows since the front field wrapped around part of the garden. Cows are curious creatures and they were always curious what I was doing and why they couldn't join me. Cows frolicking through the garden certainly wouldn't make Granny very happy!

This is Hannah, my favorite cow.

In the spring, the cows are excited to get back out onto the pasture to eat the grass that is once again growing. Although our winters are mild and the cows are still out on pasture, there isn't much grass for them to eat since it isn't growing, so we feed them hay. More on how hay is made here.

Speaking of which, it's almost hay season! There's a lot that goes into it and the weather greatly impacts when you can cut hay. It's not good if the hay is rained on, it ruins the quality. First, we cut the hay, then let it dry out for a while (usually a day; if it's hot, maybe a few hours), then we ted it to toss it so it dries more evenly. Next, we rake it into windrows. This also helps it dry and places it into rows to make it easier for the baler to grab it. After baling, it's time to bring out the hay wagon and pick up hay bales. Some farmers make large square bales (more of a rectangular shape) or large round bales, but we still do small squares (rectangle shape) and lift those by hand. It's a great workout. Who needs the gym when you farm?!

If you've been working out and eating healthier, this salad will fit perfectly into your meal plan with lots of protein, fruits and vegetables. Enjoy!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/530861874816756278/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/530861874816756278/


Berry Chicken Salad

What you'll need...

Ingredients
  • Chicken tenders, cooked prior to making this recipe (I seasoned them with salt and pepper)
  • Spinach
  • Raspberries
  • Blackberries
  • Strawberries
  • Blueberries
  • Raspberry Merlot salad dressing
  • Whole grain croutons
  • Mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
**Amounts of the above ingredients will vary depending on how many servings you are making. 

Kitchen Equipment
  • Cutting board
  • Knife


How to make it...

  1. Slice strawberries
  2. Cut slices of mozzarella cheese into small cubes
  3. Place a bed of spinach on each plate
  4. Add sliced strawberries, raspberries and blackberries
  5. Top fruit layer with sliced chicken, distributed throughout
  6. Add whole grain croutons and mozzarella cubes
  7. Drizzle with Raspberry Merlot dressing
  8. Enjoy!

1 comment:

  1. Yum! I could eat this all summer long, its my favorite for sure! thanks for sharing at our Spring Salad Link up @ Celebrate 365 Blog Party.

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