Lighter Fare

Minnesota's Lady Slipper

Thought for the day...the more you recognize and express gratitude

for the things you have, the more things you will have

to express gratitude for.

by Zig Ziglar

As the days turn warmer a "lighter fare" of food is in order. Grilling and cold foods seem so much more palatable than heavy comfort type foods. Maybe some of these easy recipes are just what you need to survive a hot day.

Both recipes adapted from Southern Living June 2011

Summer Fruit Salad

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup prepared poppy seed dressing
• 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger
• 2 avocados, thinly sliced
• 4-5 cups loosely packed arugula
• 1 cup red grapes halved
• 1 cup sliced cucumbers
• 1 mango, julienned
• 1 cup diced strawberries
• 1/4 cup green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• optional items: kiwi-pineapple-toasted almonds

Directions:

• Whisk dressing and ginger
• Mix fruit, onions, cilantro, arugula
• Toss this mixture with dressing
• Serve immediately

Chicken and Tortellini Salad

Ingredients:

• 2- 9 oz. packages refrigerated cheese filled tortellini
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 TB. parsley flakes
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tsp. minced garlic (use jar found in produce dept)
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cups cooked chopped chicken
• 1 cup frozen peas thawed or snap sugar peas (blanched)
• 1/2 cup sliced green onions
• 1/2 cup fresh basil
• 1/4 cup pine nuts

Directions:

• In blender process olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Worcestershire, lemon juice and parsley flakes
• Cook tortellini according to package directions, drain
• Mix chicken, basil, onions, pine nuts, peas
• Mix in dressing and chill several hours before serving