My 10 Must-Have Salads

Are you enjoying the endless supply of holiday treats as much as I am?  They are everywhere I look right now and I LOVE IT!!  Personally, I am only half way done with my own holiday baking so there are still some of my favorite treats yet on the horizon.  Score!  If you need a few new killer Christmas cookies to add to your supply, don’t miss My 10 Must-Have Christmas Cookie post.  I guarantee each and every one of those decadent treats will become a family favorite!

Now, I hate to be the bearer of bad, yet obvious, news but in just a few more days, we are going to be working really hard to work off all those extra holiday treats.  I know, I know.  You hate me right now for reminding you, but stay with me just a minute longer.  I come bearing these 10 outstanding salad recipes that will make you love me again.  I think you will agree that if we all have to eat salads, shouldn’t they taste dang fantastic?!?

2.  Cranberry Pecan Chicken Salad – this is my copy cat version of the same salad at TGIFridays.  (Don’t tell them, but I like mine better!)

 3.  Avocado Chicken and Bacon Pasta Salad – This is the only pasta salad I make anymore because all others were such a let-down.  Make it with whole grain pasta and it is healthy heaven!

4.  Southwestern Bean, Barley and Jicama Salad– I adore this salad because southwestern flavors are my favorite and this one is packed with them.  Nothing boring here!

5.  Strawberry Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken –  This spinach salad has a sweet poppyseed dressing that pairs perfectly with the fruit and salty almonds!

6.  Roasted Chicken Salad – If you don’t think you like chicken salad, you must try this one and I will convert you over to the delicious side of chicken salad.  Big chunks of moist, slow roasted chicken makes this stellar!

7.  Chicken Avocado and Pear Salad – I was a bit skeptical the first time I made this salad, but it is a regular on my menu rotation.  It is so delicious!

8.  Thai Cole Slaw – I love any cole slaw but sometime I get tired of the heavy mayo based dressings so this is my new favorite.  Sweet, sour, salty and spicy!