so stinkin delicious

I know stinkin isn't technically a word, but you know what I mean. I am always on the lookout for new recipes. Getting my Rachael Ray magazine in the mail is one of my favorite things. I always try to stretch out the time it takes me to read through it and make it last at least a few sittings. While I read I dog ear the corners so I know which recipes to go back and tear out (recipes with pictures are the best). Between blogland, foodgawker.com, and my magazine, eventually the "recipes to try" list substantially piles up. Well I finally got around to making one of them and it is oh so tasty. In fact, I made it just tonight. It's so good that while we were scarfing it, I told Jake "This might be one of my favorite meals ever". It's just that delicious. Never have I been drawn to chicken salad before this, but now it tops the list. A great summer meal, it is super healthy too; no mayo, and a great balance of protein, veggies, and optional starch. Without further ado, here's the recipe. Try it! You seriously won't regret it.

Chicken Salad with Yogurt-Ranch dressing:

• About 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
• 1 clove garlic, gratedor finely chopped and pasted
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup reduced fat orfat-free plain Greek-style yogurt
• A small handful each of dill, parsley and chives, finely chopped
• A few dashes of hot sauce
• 1 rotisserie chicken, skin and bones discarded and meat shredded or 1 pound cold cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1/3 English (seedless) cucumber, chopped
• 2 ribs celery from the heart, thinly sliced on an angle
• 2 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 4 slices of sourdough bread, toasted

PREPARATION

In a large bowl, combine the EVOO, garlic, lemon juice and vinegar; season with salt and pepper. Stir in the yogurt, herbs and hot sauce. Add the chicken, bell pepper, cucumber and celery; season with salt and pepper. Top the salad with the tomatoes and serve between two pieces of toasted sourdough bread.