Mandarin Chicken Salad

3 c. fresh spinach leaves
1/4 c. slivered almonds
1/3 c. red bell pepper, diced
1/4 c. red onion, diced
1 11-oz. can mandarin oranges, drained
3 seasoned, grilled chicken breasts, cubed
1/2 c. Asian salad dressing

In a large bowl, gently mix spinach, almonds, bell pepper, onion, and oranges.

In a separate bowl, combine chicken and salad dressing. Pour over salad mixture and gently toss.

Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza

1 pkg. pizza crust mix
3 c. thinly sliced romaine lettuce
2 c. diced cooked chicken
1/2 c. sliced black olives
1/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 c. light creamy Caesar salad dressing
1 clove garlic, pressed

Mix pizza dough and bake crust completely as directed on package.

In large bowl, combine lettuce, chicken, and olives.

In small bowl, mix together salad dressing, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Brush half of mixture over crust; pour the rest over the salad mixture and toss.

Top crust with salad mixture, slice, and serve.

Yields 4 servings.

Southwestern Cornbread Salad

1 6-oz. pkg. Mexican cornbread mix
1 bottle Ranch salad dressing
1 small head lettuce, shredded
2 large tomatoes, chopped
1 15-oz. can black beans, drained
1 15-oz. can whole kernel corn with red and green peppers, drained
1 8-oz. pkg. shredded Mexican blend cheese
6 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
5 green onions, chopped

Prepare cornbread as directed on package; cool and crumble. Set aside.

Layer a large bowl with half each of cornbread, lettuce, tomatoes, beans, corn, cheese, bacon, and onions. Spoon dressing evenly over top. Repeat layers with remaining ingredients, and top again with dressing.

Serve immediately or cover and chill for a few hours.

*This salad presents beautifully in a trifle or other large glass bowl, but it tends to get soggy if left overnight. When I know the whole thing won't be eaten at one meal, I prepare each serving bowl separately, saving the leftover ingredients to make fresh salads the next day.

*The original recipe calls for Romaine lettuce, but I use whatever I have on hand. I love adding fresh spinach to it.

Spinach Fruit Salad

1 bag baby spinach leaves
1 pint strawberries, washed, cored, and sliced
1 large can mandarin oranges, drained
1 large can pineapple tidbits, drained
1 c. blueberries, rinsed and drained
1/2 c. pecan halves or sliced almonds
1 Tbsp. poppyseed dressing

Gently mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and serve.

*Make this an awesome main dish by adding some grilled chicken strips.

If you have a nice glass bowl or trifle bowl, this makes a beautiful presentation.

I made this recipe based on a salad that Panera Bread features in the spring and summer. They use mixed greens, though, and don't take out the hard center veins in the leaves.