Community Salad

Below is an excerpt from my book, Masters & Disasters of Cooking. It's available in both print and ebook at Lulu.com or in print at amazon.com.

I love salads, but hate to make them. With the convenience of lettuce in bags now, putting together a bog salad is much easier than it used to be. This recipe is one that we’ve made at my office several times. Each of my co-workers in the office would be responsible for bringing in at least one ingredient listed in the recipe. Just before lunch, someone puts it all together in a large bowl and we have a great healthy lunch that everyone enjoys.

Chef’s Salad

1 large package lettuce, washed thoroughly
lean ham, cut into small pieces
1/2 pkg. fresh spinach
tomatoes, diced
radishes, sliced
1 cucumber, chopped
fresh mushrooms, sliced
green or red peppers, chopped
red onions, sliced into rings
broccoli flowerets
cauliflower flowerets
1 apple, chopped
1/4 lb. Cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 lb. ham, chopped
1 pkg. Good Seasons Italian dressing
1 packet artificial sweetener croutons, optional

Mix all vegetables together in a large bowl. Add apple and ham and cheese as a top layer. Finish with rings of red onions and tomatoes. Mix Good Seasons dressing according to directions on package, but add the artificial sweetener prior to the oil. Add the dressing to salad just before serving.