New to the Picnic Circuit

There was an earlier post on hummus and how to make your own. Here is a great quick idea of a new use for this great versatile spread. No matter how cold the spring wind can feel, the season of picnicking is knocking on the door. Tuna and chicken salads can often taste pretty dull and because they are mayonnaise-based, they are hard to work into outdoor menus. Hummus can stand it its place and make for a more nutritious salad. 

Simply take a can of good quality tuna or flake a grilled tuna steak up (or shred a few  cooked chicken breasts) and dice a few stalks of celery, add some sweet pickle relish (bread and butter pickles diced makes a great sweet relish - just watch out for high fructose corn syrup) and as much hummus as you like. Stir and add a squeeze of fresh lemon, salt and pepper to taste and find a nice cracker to accompany. This can even work for canned salmon, and a bit of dill adds a nice touch. 

Don't be afraid to branch out, either. Switch up to a flavored hummus or turn the formula on its head. Combine raisins, carrots, tomatoes, chicken, hummus and some curry powder combine to make a great Indian inspired chicken salad with many of the flavors of byriani rice.