Layered Southwestern Salad

The first time I made this, I completely forgot to make the dressing and someone just poured ranch on theirs so that's how I do it now!

1 16 oz package of romaine lettuce, shredded
5 plum tomatoes, chopped
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained well
1 small purple onion, chopped fine
8 oz Mexican blend shredded cheese (any will work, really)
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 or 2 diced red peppers if desired

Layer lettuce, and the following ingredients in layers in a 3 quart glass bowl. I FINALLY have one of them footed thingys that my neighbor gave me, you know, the Triffle bowl!!

You can either top with a light dressing OR just do as I do and serve the dressing on the side. this is really pretty :)

Chicken Cesar Pasta Salad

I got this recipe a while ago from Moms Advice (which reminds me I need to go visit, it's been awhile!) and well, even though its really not so much a recipe as an idea, me and the Princess LOVE this stuff. Great way to use leftover chicken & pasta!

1 head romaine, sliced (note: I do not normally recommend you cut your lettuce, but for this its fine since you will be eating it all shortly)
handful of croutons
4 ounces (or just use leftovers!) pasta, preferably penne type (tubular) cooked
cooked chicken breast, cut into bite size chunks (or you can go smaller, almost shredded)
Parmesan cheese (I've kind of gotten hooked on the real fresh stuff from Costco)
Cesar dressing (again, Costco, even though I LOVE Ken's Low Fat Cesar dressing)

Take all the ingredients above, put in a bowl. Pour dressing over a little at a time, tossing to coat all well before adding more.  I personally do not like my salad swimming in the stuff, so I go light, but others like it heavier (uh, like Princess!)