Hospital food?

The other day my husband came home raving about a salad he had in, of all places, the hospital cafeteria. I thought all they served there was watered down chicken noodle soup, bologna on white bread and maybe a carrot and raisin salad to "add some color". Apparently this place has some high class tastes and is serving up a delicious Thai inspired salad with sliced bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, cucumbers and mouth watering dressing.

Chad, my dear husband, busted out the knives and mixing bowls and started to experiment. *SLICE,SLICE, SLICE...CHOP,CHOP, CHOP* I just sat back and listened as the man took over dinner. What he produced was a very colorful and vibrant salad that had a wonderfully refreshing and clean taste. I'd say that's super sexy, but my mom might be reading.

Originally, we used an Asian style dressing to top this salad, but after a little experimenting and tweaking, I think I've come up with a really fantastic Thai peanut dressing that pairs nicely with the salad. Throw in some grilled chicken and BAM! you have a healthy, balanced meal!

Thai Peanut Salad

1 bag coleslaw mix cabbage (not the one with the dressing in it.  Just the cabbage and carrots. You could also slice up your own cabbage and julienne all those lil' carrots, but come on...smarter not harder!)

1 bunch cilantro, ends trimmed

1 yellow bell pepper, cut into matchstick slices

1 red bell pepper, cut into matchstick slices

1 small red onion, sliced thin

1/2 seedless cucumber, sliced and cut into halves

3 grilled chicken breast, sliced (please, by all means, make sure you season you chicken before grilling!)

chopped, dry roasted peanuts (optional)

Put the cabbage on the bottom a serving bowl and top with cilantro.  Add the remainder of your veggies and chicken.  Make it look pretty people!  Toss with an Asian style dressing or the following Thai peanut dressing.  Top with the chopped peanuts.

Thai Peanut Dressing

6 T creamy peanut butter

1/4 cup chicken broth

3 T rice vinegar

3 T soy sauce

1 1/2 T sugar

1 T sesame oil

1 T fresh, minced ginger

1/2 tsp minced garlic

1 tsp lime juice

Throw everything in the blender and just go for it.  Blend until smooth.

Make sure you don't overdress.  A little goes a LONG way!!

Eat well my friends!!