If your fridge looks like mine, there are small bits of cheese, random veggie pouches and meat packets hanging around looking for something to do.  Well once a week or so, I put them in the spotlight.  Dinner Salad night!   I usually go by the store and get really fresh greens to pair with whatever ingredients I might have on hand.  I like to start with a bed of organic salad greens like green leaf, baby romaine, spring mix or spinach.  Then top with chopped vegetables, some kind of protein (poultry, beef, tuna, pork), maybe a chopped egg, something salty or spicy (olives, Jalapenos, pickles, sun dried tomatoes), a little something sweet (dried cranberries, apples, pears, candied walnuts), chopped fresh herbs (any kind will do), cheese and a sprinkle of seasoned salt.   Be sure you have at least one crunchy element in the salad for extra satisfaction.  You can add croutons, nuts, leftover Chinese noodles, or sunflower seeds.  My son sprinkles on Goldfish! Pick any dressing you like or keep it simple with vinegar and oil.  You can layer the ingredients on top of each other (salad bar style) or present them in separate little rows like a Cobb salad. Add a bread basket and you have a man-sized dinner.  I go heavy on the protein ingredients to keep everyone full for the evening.  Now go diving in that fridge and whip up a delicious salad!

Here are some ideas to get you started: 

Napa Salad
Smoked turkey slices, julienned
Spring Mix and Baby Spinach
Red onions, diced
Crispy bacon, crumbled
Baby bella mushrooms, sliced
Tomatoes, chopped
Toasted pecans
Sun-dried cranberries
Gorgonzola crumbles

-Mix together in quantities of your choice.  Be sure to wash and spin or dry greens so salad isn’t soggy.  I like a balsamic vinaigrette dressing with this or balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Renea’s Green Salad with Chicken
Green leaf lettuce
Grilled chicken strips
Apple, finely chopped
Sundried tomatoes in olive oil, chopped
Dried cranberries
Toasted almonds or sugared pecans
Crumbled feta cheese
Sunflower seeds to sprinkle on top

-Toss with balsamic vinegar or raspberry vinaigrette