California Salad

Turkey Cubes or leftover chicken
Crumbled Goat cheese
Dried blueberries (or cranberries)
Pecans
Honey Mustard Dressing
2 c shredded lettuce

Occasionally, while shopping, my kids have meltdowns.  Even if you don't have kids of your own, you've probably seen it.  Laying in the cart, crying, or screaming, sometimes laying on the floor in that completely unselfconscious way.  Often, this is because they're hungry or tired.  I often try to carry the spare granola bar, or bag of nuts.  But sometimes we visit the Target Cafe.  And, I was surprised when I found a salad that I loved!  I was starting to look for excuses to eat there.  Then, I wised up and realized that I could make it in about 5 minutes at home.

Bacon Turkey Salad

Turkey Cubes
Crumbled turkey bacon
Grated cheddar
Diced tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes to save the cutting)
Ranch dressing
2 c shredded lettuce

Quick Greek Salad

Feta
Leftover chicken or turkey
Tomatoes
Pecans
Parmesan Garlic Dressing
2 cups shredded lettuce
pitted Greek olives

Quick Cobb Salad

1 boiled egg
Crumbled turkey bacon
tomato
Blue Cheese
Vinaigrette - usually Newman's Parmesan Garlic, but whatever is handy

2 c lettuce

White Turkey Chili

I just made some white turkey chili with the last of the thanksgiving turkey.  It was fantastic, and ridiculously easy.
2 cans of white beans (I used one each of Great Northern and Navy), drained and rinsed well
1 can green chilis
1/2 c sauteed onions
2-3 big handfuls of diced turkey breast
1 can chicken broth
1 can-full of water
1 can of corn
Cumin, smoked salt, and cilantro to taste

Add all the ingredients to a pot and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for ~1 hour.  Eat!

Curried Coconut Chicken Salad with Dates

Adapted from a Whole Foods Recipe for leftover turkey or chicken. Serve with lettuce as wraps, or stuffed in whole wheat pitas.


1 small can coconut milk (not light coconut milk)
1 1/4 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 c vinegar onions, preferably rice vinegar
2 tbs brown mustard

3 cups cooked shredded chicken, dark or white meat
1/4 cup lime juice
1/2 cup roughly chopped dates
1/2 cup roughly chopped cashews
1/4 cup finely shredded coconut

Measure 3/4 cup coconut milk into a bowl and stir in curry powder, garlic powder, salt, mustard, and shredded chicken. Toss to coat well.  Add dates, coconut, and cashews.