chicken and bacon autumn chopped salad (six sisters stuff)

This salad is so tasty and can be a meal on it's own, but since I had kids I like to make sure I have rolls or something on the side. 

(photo and recipe credit: six sisters stuff)

Ingredients

*6 to 8 cups chopped romaine lettuce
*2 medium apples, chopped (pears are also delicious if you want to use those)
*1 cup dried cranberries (Craisins)
*1 cup chopped walnuts (pecans or almonds are also a yummy substitution)
*8 slices bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled (we used turkey bacon- use what you want)
*4 to 6 oz. feta cheese, crumbled
*1-2 grilled chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
*3/4 cup Poppy seed Salad Dressing (I like Brianna’s)
*1/4 cup Balsamic Vinaigrette (I used store brand because it tastes just the same to me)

Directions
*In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, apples, cranberries, walnuts, bacon, chicken and feta cheese.
*In a smaller bowl, combine poppy seed dressing with balsamic vinaigrette. Drizzle over salad right before serving. If you prefer your salad to have more dressing, feel free to experiment with the combination.
(This salad makes enough for about 6-8 servings. If you are not going to be eating it all in one sitting, only put dressing on what you will be eating or it will get all soggy.)

hummus

This was my first time trying my hand at homemade hummus and it was a success! It's definitely a keeper. The only "odd" ingredient that I don't normally keep on hand is tahini (ground up sesame seeds), but I have a big jar of it now so I am set to make this several more times before I run out.

(I found the recipe HERE)

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 (15 oz.) can chickpeas (garbanzo beans), rinsed and drained
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 3 tablespoons tahini
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• pinch of salt and freshly-cracked black pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 cup water, or more if needed
• optional topping ideas: extra drizzle of olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, toasted pine nuts, chopped roasted red peppers, basil pesto

DIRECTIONS:

Add first seven ingredients (chickpeas thru salt/pepper) to a food processor, and blend until smooth. Add in the water and continue blending until the hummus reaches your desired consistency, adding additional water if needed.

Garnish with optional toppings and serve immediately, or refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days.