Crunchy Pea and Bacon Salad

I’m nearly certain this salad is one of those dishes that can’t really be as good for you as the word “salad” might trick you into thinking. For some reason though, it looks good to me. I have no idea why, but I’m saving it for that day when I finally give in and try it. The original is from the Schwan’s website.

IngredientsCrunchy Pea and Bacon Salad

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp sugar
  • 2 Tbsp vinegar
  • 4 cups Green Peas, prepared and chilled
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup diced cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 6 slices Fully Cooked Bacon Slices, prepared and chopped
  • 1 cup salted peanuts

Directions

  1. Blend mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar to make dressing.
  2. Stir together dressing, peas, onions and cheese.
  3. Serve on a bed of lettuce topped with bacon and peanuts

Variations

  • I’d simplify the recipe by just using 2 or 3 tablespoons of bacon bits.
  • You could like substitute a favorite prepared dressing for the mayonnaise and vinegar here. I’m thinking Ranch would work nicely.

Time Required: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Chicken and Chorizo Paella

A recipe from the June 2011 issue of All You (original here). The note with the recipe explains that “This spicy one-skillet dish has minimal clean-up, so it’s ideal for an easy weeknight meal.”

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 2-inch chunks
  • Salt
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 4 ounces cooked chorizo sausage, cut into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
  • 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice
  • 3 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Directions

  1. Sprinkle chicken with salt and dredge in flour.
  2. Warm 1 Tbsp. oil in a large, deep nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook chicken until browned on all sides, about 6 minutes total. Transfer to a plate.
  4. Heat remaining oil in skillet and add onion and garlic.
  5. Cook, stirring, until softened, about 3 minutes.
  6. Add chorizo and cook until lightly browned, about 2 minutes.
  7. Stir in rice, broth, tomatoes and 1/2 tsp. salt.
  8. Bring to a boil, add chicken, cover, reduce heat to low and cook until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.
  9. Remove from heat, stir in peas, cover and let stand until peas are heated through, about 5 minutes.