How do you dress-up a chicken?

I love to cook, but sometimes I want something quick and easy. You know those roasted chickens they sell at Costco, Whole Foods, and even my Farmers Market? They can be dressed up to make a beautiful, colorful, tasty salad that’s fast and pretty darn easy to assemble.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 roasted chicken, skin and bones removed and shredded with your fingers (Or if your family ate most of the bird the night before, this is a great way to use up any chicken meat leftovers)
• 1 fennel bulb, washed and sliced thinly
• 1 handful of mushrooms (I like a mixture to add complexity), brushed and sliced
• 1 bag mixed greens preferably organic and from your Farmers market (Why? They won’t taste like plastic. They’ll be super fresh and should taste sweet. And, you’re supporting your local area economy and farmers.)
• 1 handful of nasturtium blossoms – or sometimes you can buy edible flower blossoms in the baby green mixes. These will add color and a peppery, spice to your salad. 

Combine in a glass salad bowl.

Dressing

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil. I prefer Cecchetti Olive Oil because of the buttery flavor. (I even use it on my popcorn instead of butter!)
• ½ small sweet red onion
• 1-2 garlic cloves
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar or sherry vinegar
• 1-2 teaspoons honey
• dash of kosher salt and fresh ground pepper

Using an emulsifier, food processor, or slicing/dicing/wire whisking, blend the dressing ingredients together. Pour over salad and toss and serve.  Bon Appetite!