Chopped Italian Salad

For as long as I can remember,

I've always loooooooved salads.

And what's even better,

is when I can make a salad a whole meal!

Awhile ago I blogged about Giant Salads

that I make and eat for lunch often.

They're always filling and I love eating them. 

In fact - I'm planning to have them this week.

But today...

I want to tell you ALL about a super easy and incredibly tasty

CHOPPED ITALIAN SALAD!!!

The Goods:

Romaine Lettuce

Salami

Mozzarella

Tomatoes

Cucumbers

Red Onion

Garbanzo Beans

Artichoke Hearts

Kalamata Olives

Peppernchini

Lemon

Italian Dressing

Chop up your lettuce, salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, cucumbers, 

red onion, artichoke heart, kalamata olives and peppernchini.

Put in a large bowl, add dressing and fresh lemon juice.

Toss to combine and serve in a large bowl.

That's it!!!

I decided I needed something besides salad,

so I made up a batch of the yummy rolls featured in this post!

Apps For Dinner!

Last night, I had the pleasure of enjoying some amazing appetizers, yummy drinks and the company of two wonderful neighbors! 

Earlier in the week, I had talked to my friend Elina about possibly making something yummy to eat and hanging out one night this weekend. It turned out that Friday night worked best for us and we decided on making a bunch of appetizers instead of one big meal. And let me say - that was a GREAT decision because we got to enjoy so many different things without stuffing ourselves crazy!

Take a look at all the goodies we got to enjoy while having a nice relaxing evening at home.  

The Goods!

I'm not going to list it all because 

the list would just go on and on and on.

Elina chopping mini heirloom tomatoes for the bruschetta!

And basil for the bruschetta too!

Dates - stuffed with bleu cheese, wrapped in bacon and 

WAITING to be baked then devoured!

Cheese and Meat Plate - YUM!!!

The WHOLE spread!

Bacon Wrapped Dates

Meat and Cheese with Crackers

Bruschetta - With or Without Arugula 

Jalapeno Stuffed Olives

Cantaloupe, Mango and Kiwi

Oh and some Wine and Beer too!!!

Just a little sampling of the deliciousness!

I can't wait for the next neighbor dinner and drink hang out. It's always lots of fun and good food is a guarantee!