Salad....Yummm

The other day I was weighed and let me just say that I was not pleased with the number. I know I've been talking A LOT about my whole fitness plan and looking better naked. But I have to admit with my schedule, it's hard to stick to a work out regiment. Of course now that I know where I am with my weight, I think now is the time to get it together. I will not say the number but I will say that it is more than I've ever weighed even though I think I still look it the same.

I say all this to say that the recipe for this weekend will be something light and fresh. What better way to start it off then with a yummy and hearty salad. Salads don't have to be boring and this salad is far from boring. I'll more than likely alter it because I am not a fan of chick peas. This recipe comes from iVillage. Every now and then they send a recipe that I have to try and this was one of them.

Green Goddess Salad

Ingredients
* 1/2 avocado, peeled and pitted
* 12 ounces peeled and deveined cooked shrimp, (21-25 per pound)
* 3/4 cup nonfat buttermilk
* 1/2 cucumber, sliced
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs, such as tarragon, sorrel and/or chives * 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes
* 2 teaspoons tarragon vinegar, or white-wine vinegar
* 1 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed
* 1 teaspoon anchovy paste, or minced anchovy fillet
* 1 cup rinsed and chopped canned artichoke hearts (I'm sure that these are good for you, so I'll woman up and try it)
* 8 cups bite-size pieces green leaf lettuce (I'll be using a mixed green salad)
* 1/2 cup chopped celery

Directions
1. Puree avocado, buttermilk, herbs, vinegar and anchovy in a blender until smooth.
2. Divide lettuce among 4 plates. Top with shrimp, cucumber, tomatoes, chickpeas, artichoke hearts and celery. Drizzle the dressing over the salads.