Crab Cakes with Mixed Green Salad

This is another easy dinner or lunch. Just like the salmon cake salad that I featured a while ago. Super easy and was excellent.

crab cakes (store bought or you can make your own - I used the ones from Trader Joes)
mixed greens
carrots, chopped
tomatoes, diced
green onion, diced
red onions, thinly sliced
avocado, diced
balsamic dressing
olive oil

In a large non-stick sauté pan heat over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil. Brown both sides of the crab cakes until you have a brown crust on both sides.

While crab cakes are cooking, mix carrots, tomatoes, green onions, red onions and avocado. You are basically making a chunky salsa type mixture. Drizzle with dressing and mix thoroughly.

When crab cakes are done, lay on a paper towel to capture any loose oils.

Dress mixed greens with dressing.

On a plate, lay down mixed greens, top with crab cakes (I used two per dish) and then top with carrot mixture. Serve and ENJOY!!!!!

Wine pairing.......Chardonnay or Viognier.

Southwestern Chicken Panini

I love panini’s. They are my favorite type of sandwich. Serve this with french fries or a mixed green salad.

2 cups cilantro
4 garlic cloves
1 jalapeno, halved and seeded
1 tbsp lime juice
salt and pepper for seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
white or whole wheat panini bread (I used whole wheat)
sliced pepper jack cheese
boneless skinless chicken breast
southwestern seasoning

In a food processor, pulse cilantro, garlic, jalapeno, lime juice, olive oil and salt and pepper (just for seasoning) until you have a pesto consistency.

Season chicken with southwestern seasoning. Grill until cooked completely through. Wrap and foil and allow to rest for about 5 minutes. Tip….you may need to split your chicken breast in half, depending on thickness.

While chicken is grilling, begin to heat panini griddle.

Spread jalapeno cilantro mixed on both sides of the panini bread. Top with chicken and a slice of pepper jack cheese. Press in panini griddle until both sides of the bread are nicely browned and crispy. Serve and ENJOY!!!!!

Wine pairing...........Tempranillo.