Salad a la mode.

While you're swapping out your suits for sundresses and replacing shoes with sandals (if anything at all), remember to update your recipe collection. Rich stews and braised meats are passé and salads are once again in style.

No, no, no, I don't want you to deprive yourself of good flavor and eat like a rabbit! (Well, you can, but the rest of us will stick to my plan.) Instead, toss together a combination of complementary healthy flavors and textures, like nuts, avocados and California Ripe Olives, and your salads will be a summertime hit. All that and you'll never have to go near your stove. Featuring smoked turkey, Gouda cheese, California Ripe Olives and plenty of creamy avocado dressing, it's healthful, with light prep time.

 

Turkey, Avocado and Olive Salad

• 1 Medium avocado
• 1 Large lemon, juiced
• 3/4 cup Buttermilk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 ounces Mixed baby greens
• 8 ounces Smoked turkey, chopped
• 1 (6ounce) Small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 medium Carrots, peeled and sliced
• 4 ounces Gouda cheese, chopped
• 4 ounces Toasted walnuts, crushed
• 1/2 cup Sliced California Ripe Olives

Combine avocado, lemon juice and buttermilk in a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl combine greens, turkey, red onion, carrots, cheese, walnuts and California Ripe Olives. Mix in dressing and toss until evenly combined. Serves 4.