During this month of celebrations, here’s a patriotic red, white, and blue salad created in honor of the USA’s 250th birthday.

Bursting with color and fresh flavor, it’s a festive addition to any summer table. Best of all, there’s no cooking required. There are just a few simple ingredients brought together in minutes. It’s cool, refreshing, and effortless to prepare making it perfect for a hot summer evening.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans.

COUNTDOWN:

Assemble ingredients.

Toast bread.

Make salad.

SHOPPING LIST:

To buy: 10 ounces boneless, skinless cooked chicken breast, 1 container blueberries, 1 red bell pepper, 1 bunch celery, 1 bunch scallions, 1 bag washed-ready-to-eat romaine lettuce, 1 container pecans, 1 loaf whole grain bread, 1 can olive oil spray, 1 jar orange marmalade, 1 jar reduced fat mayonnaise and 1 bottle reduced fat vinaigrette dressing.

Celebration Salad

Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer

2 thick slices whole grain bread

Olive oil spray

4 tablespoons reduced fat vinaigrette dressing

1 tablespoon orange marmalade

3 tablespoons reduced fat mayonnaise

10 ounces boneless, skinless cooked chicken breast cut into 1-inch slices

1 cup blueberries

1 cup sliced red bell pepper, about 1 1/2-inch slices

4 cups romaine leaves cut into 2-to-3-inch pieces

1/4 cup pecans

1 cup sliced celery

2 sliced scallions

Spray bread with olive oil spray and place under a broiler or in a toaster oven for several minutes or until golden. In a large bowl combine vinaigrette, orange marmalade and mayonnaise. Stir chicken, blueberries, and red bell pepper into the mixture. Toss well. Divide the romaine leaves in half and place on two dinner plates. Divide the chicken mixture in half and spoon over the lettuce. Sprinkle the pecans, celery and scallions on top. Serve with toasted bread.

Yield 2 servings.

Per serving: 662 calories (39 percent from fat), 28.5 g fat (3.6 g saturated, 10.8 g monounsaturated), 128 mg cholesterol, 46.7 g protein, 55.2 g carbohydrates, 11.1 g fiber, 437 mg sodium.

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