A Family Summer Lunch

Every Summer I think to myself  'grill/cook outdoors & concentrate on minimal to no cook meals indoor'.    I'm off to a good start.  We have been grilling more than ever on the Memphis Wood Fire Grill (my esposo, Dave, acquires new dealers for this company). The more meals that can be prepared outdoors the better.  Dave will grill on Sundays the protein that we will be eating the next 3-4 days.

First time to entertain with all cold foods.  I loved it!

A Family Summer Lunch.  Guest of Honor:  Tia Rosita, El Paso, TX.  Dave grilled two whole chickens seasoned with a Himalayan Salt Rub, once cooled I deboned them and made 2 chicken salads. One regular chicken salad the other with cranberries.  A cold lunch was divine for a hot summer day.

Summer Lunch Menu
Cesar Salad
Hummus + Pita
Cranberry + Walnut Chicken Salad
Walnut Chicken Salad
Boiled Egg Halves
Veggie Platter: Tzatziki, Baby Carrots, Cucumber Slices, Fig Halves
Crostini 

A Lovely Summer Lunch

 Darlene's Chicken Salad

1 pound of chicken (deboned, no skin or chicken breast)

1/4 cup of mayonnaise (less or more to taste)

1 cup of toasted walnuts (pounded to small bits)

1/4 cup of red onion, fine dice

1/4 cup celery, fine dice

1 tsp of finely chopped fresh rosemary

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

black pepper to taste

Sometimes I add the chicken to the food processor for a spreadable type of I just chop up the chicken for a chunky type.  Make it to suit your mood.
Process or chop the chicken, add mayo, mix/blend well.  Add chicken mixture to bowl, add the remaining ingredients and gently fold in till well mixed.
At this point you can add a variety of ingredients.  My favorites:  grapes, cranberries, lavender, raisins....

Great as:   a dip if you use the food processor, lettuce wraps, sandwiches, picnics, snacks etc.....