This recipe comes courtesy of our patient, Kelli and will change your definition of a chicken salad. It is super easy to make as well as very light and refreshing.

Ingredients ::

• Whole Wheat Tri-colored Rotini Pasta (1/2 box)
• Can of Chicken or 2 large chicken breasts
• 1 cup dried cherries
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds (unsalted)
• 1/2 cup Light Miracle Whip
• 1/2 cup Fat Free Poppy Seed Dressing
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Directions ::

1. Cook the pasta to slightly past al dente and let cool.
2. If using chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper and bake in oven until cooked through.
3. Mix the Miracle Whip and Poppy Seed dressing in a small bowl.
4. Add the pasta, chicken, cherries, almonds and dressing mixture in a large bowl and mix it all together.
5. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve over butter lettuce and drizzle a little more Poppy Seed dressing over the top.

This recipe was adapted from Steph’s Menu, a monthly meal planning subscription!

A refreshing summer salad recipe courtesy of our patient Ann N.

Recipe from The New York Times.

Ingredients ::

• 1 cup quinoa
• 3 cups water
• salt to taste
• 2 cups diced cucumber
• 1 small red onion, finely minced (optional)
• 2 cups finely diced tomatoes
• 1 to 2 jalapeno or serrano peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped cilantro, plus sprigs for garnish
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 avocado sliced for garnish

Directions ::

1) Place the quinoa in a bowl, and cover with cold water. Let sit for five minutes. Drain through a strainer, and rinse until the water runs clear. Bring the 3 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add salt (1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon) and the quinoa. Bring back to a boil, and reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer 15 minutes or until the quinoa is tender and translucent; each grain should have a little thread. Drain off the water in the pan through a strainer, and return the quinoa to the pain. Cover the pan with a clean dishtowel, replace the lid and allow to sit for 10 minutes. If making for the freezer, uncover and allow to cool, then place in plastic bags. Flatten the bags and seal.

2) Meanwhile, place the finely diced cucumber in the colander, and sprinkle with salt. Toss and allow to sit for 15 minutes. Rinse the cucumber with cold water, and drain on paper towels. If using the onion, place in a bowl and cover with cold water. Let sit for 5 minutes, then drain, rinse with cold water and drain on paper towels.

3) Combine the tomatoes, chiles, cilantro, vinegar, lime juice and olive oil in a bowl. Add the cucumber and onion, season to taste with salt, add the quinoa and cilantro. Toss together and taste and adjust seasonings. Serve garnish with sliced avocado and cilantro.

Yield: Serves six.