Last week I shared my adventures in lettuce from the Dole Salad’tude Summit in Monterey. This week, I want to share some innovative salad ideas that Dole shared with us, plus a fresh greens recipe of my own. The final reception and dinner for our event took place outside at the InterContinental in Monterey. Gorgeous venue for a delicious night of salads. Set up in stations, our night was filled with innovative ways to incorporate greens into your different events. Right up the Haute Apple Pie alley!
First I had to share the perfectly suited centerpiece ideas. This is a cheap, easy and beautiful way to spiff up a table, especially when salads and greens are on the menu. The tall tables were adorned with square wooden boxes with a full head of butter lettuce, surrounded by candles. One of the larger tables had a rustic farmers market quality to it with a large wicker basket filled with different shapes and sizes of greens and artichokes. An edible arrangement – reusable for dinner the next day.
Our salad reception did nothing if not let me know that salad doesn’t have to be in a regular bowl. We were served salad in all shapes, sizes, colors and consistencies. Grilled Romaine for a barbecue, Huevos Rancheros atop a bed of lettuce for brunch, lettuce bruschetta and the one that wins the prize for most intriguing – the salad shooter. The Dole Southwest Salad mix was tossed together and put into a blender to make what basically tasted like a cold tortilla soup shooter. Surprisingly good, great presentation and a great conversation piece.
I have to admit that my salad trip (as well as the emergence of summer and farmer’s markets) has really gotten me into a fresh veggie kind of mood. This week I whipped up this Poppy Seed Chicken Salad in a lettuce wrap. It is great to make ahead of time and eat for lunch or dinner. It is the perfect meal to take to work or on a picnic!
Poppy Seed Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
1 head butter lettuce
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
2 C chicken stock
4 C water
3 radishes, thinly sliced
1/2 Granny Smith apple, thinly sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 TBSP fresh chopped chives
1 TBSP poppy seeds
2 TBSP Olive Oil Mayo
2 TBSP Plain Greek Yogurt
Salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
In a large pot, boil chicken stock and water. Add chicken and boil until cooked through, about 12-15 minutes. Remove from water and thinly slice or shred. Allow to cool.
In a large bowl, add chicken, radishes, apples, celery, poppy seeds, chives, mayo and greek yogurt. Stir to combine. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Refrigerate or serve immediately.
Tear off large pieces of butter lettuce. Scoop chicken salad onto lettuce leaves and serve.
I’d like to leave you with the names of a few more fabulous blogs to check out!
Bran Appetit
Dana Treat
Closet Cooking
Diet, Dessert and Dogs
Eat the Love
Bella’alimento
She’s Becoming Doughmesstic
Food Loves Writing
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Love the centerpeice ideas. One time I arranged different colors of radishes in a fancy footed sterling silver bowl. My mother got a funny look on her face, and said,”Are those to eat, or just look at?” I said, both. “Oh.” So much for creativity!
@Katie – I’ve definitely had moments like those. Just revel in the fact that you just have a much more creative mind!
Lettuce wraps are perfect for summer. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
@Aspiring Kennedy – Thanks! I think I am going to start wrapping a lot of things in lettuce soon. A burger? Why not!