So make a tasty salad...

So, summer has arrived in Maine, much belatedly. I personally don't hold with those who complain that it is 90 degrees, but I won't submit too much criticism. One thing I do agree with is that eating hot food in hot weather is sometimes not so fun.

So, somewhat inspired by this piece in the illustrious Portland Press Herald, I made a pretty tasty light one-meal salad. My main miscalculation was cooking the chicken at the same time I was preparing the dressing and other ingredients. Ideally that should be done while you're in the other room so the heat off the oven doesn't make you feel like you're going to keel over.

Cilantro Lime-Dressed Chicken Salad with Other Stuff

Good title eh?

Ingredients

1 1/4 lb boneless chicken breast
Chipotle powder
Powdered cumin
Oil (light olive or veg, or whatever you have is fine)
S & P

1 bunch cilantro (washed well)
juice of 2 limes
Chipotle powder
Powdered cumin
1/4 cup mayo
1/2 cup sour cream
S & P to taste

Corn kernels off 3-4 ears of corn, blanched for 1 minute, drained and rinsed with cold water
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 poblano chile, diced fine (remove the seeds)
5 radishes, sliced into half-rounds (or really whatever size you prefer)
Greens from 4-5 scallions, chopped fine
[I threw in about 3/4 cup cooked white rice, but only because I had some leftover from Thai takeout earlier in the week. Rice or no rice is fine.]

Greens (I used mesclun mix)
Grated cheddar cheese
Blue corn chips
Lime wedges

Steps

1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Place chicken in pan. rub seasoning and oil on it.
3. Bake for about 30 minutes or until cooked through.
4. Remove from oven; cool and cut into 1/2 size chunks.

5. Place the cilantro in your blender or food processor and chop fine.
6. Add the other ingredients and whirl around until mixed.

7. Place the third group of ingredients, plus the chicken, in a large bowl. Add the dressing and mix well.
8. Chill for 10 minutes.

9. Place chicken salad over bed of greens.
10. Garnish with a pinch of grated cheddar and lime wedge.
11. Surround with corn chips.
12. Eat.