My "What IS In The Fridge" Salad

Well two things made me write this post today....

One: I was hungry and even though I was craving a salami sandwich on challah (very big no no on the South Beach Diet) and too lazy to go out grocery shopping, I figured I'd just see what was left in the fridge. (Too lazy to even look through any of my fabulous cookbooks, visit my favorite food blogs, my ealier salad posts, or even Google "salad").

Two: Gabriella over at My Life as a Reluctant Housewife has come up with another blogging event - Summer Salads . She promises to post the roundup toward the end of August, although I'd love to get different ideas way before then.

So, I did what I often do...throw stuff in a bowl, add some vinaigrette, toss and serve. Here's today's concoction and very South Beach friendly, to boot: (well, the mini jalapeno cornbread muffins you see on the plate are not too friendly, but that's why I make minis!)

Greens
Romaine hearts, roughly chopped
fresh cilantro, oregano and parsley

Colorful Additions
Bruno's blackened chicken, julienned (Bruno's makes their own on site and only on Saturdays, so you have to get there early)
Pitted kalamata olives
Feta cheese, crumbled
Sweet heritage carrots, sliced
Orange sweet bell pepper, julienned
Red onion, sliced
Fennel root, chopped
English cucumber, in chunks
Crispy capers
Jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped (for a surprise kick)

Vinaigrette
Always good extra virgin olive oil
Sherry vinegar
2 cloves of garlic, crushed (I know, but I was really craving that awesome garlic taste)
1 heaping tbsp Kozlik's Italiano Mustard
Sea salt & freshly ground pepper to taste

What's your favorite salad when you're on "auto-pilot"?

Related links: Food and Drink recipes Grill Summer Salads South Beach Diet