Chicken Salad Salad

Salads are a staple meal for us. But they can get pretty boring if you don't get creative with them! Also, in order to be a fulfilling meal, I find that it's necessary to include some form of protein. Here's a great salad variation that we both love! (This is a great summer meal)

Chicken Salad:

• Shredded, cooked chicken (either make yourself, or you can buy canned to make quickly)
• Equal parts sour cream and mayo (I use "light" for both. I have tried substituting plain yogurt for the sour cream, but it didn't taste near as good)
• Salt, pepper and dill to taste
• Capers, optional. Micah doesn't like these added, so we don't.

Mix well. Use your own judgement about how creamy your family will like the chicken salad. I usually just add little spoonfuls of the sour cream and mayo until it sticks together and is slightly creamy.

This chicken salad is great on lettuce or in a sandwich. For the whole salad shebang, make a pasta salad using penne noodles and your favorite Italian dressing. I sometimes add parmesan cheese and olives. Tip: This works best if the pasta is prepared a few hours early and put in the fridge to cool. But if I wait till the last minute, I mix the just-cooked warm noodles with ice cubes until they're chilly, then pick out the cubes and drain before I add the dressing.

Layer lettuce, pasta, and then a scoop of chicken salad on each plate. Fresh sliced tomatoes make a great finishing touch.

Enjoy!