The landfill of stress and illness, social unrest and disease that 2020 spewed all over us is seeping into the fabric of our lives still, like a red wine stain on a wedding dress. 2021 has come in like a lion, and, after the unbridled chaos of last week, I’m not holding my breath for a lamb-like exit.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, spent or put out, depressed or jaded, then please take a few minutes to pamper yourself anyway you can. A hot shower with that expensive body wash you never buy, five minutes sitting quietly in the sunshine, finally clicking “buy” on that item in your wish list, or making yourself something easy, yet healthy for dinner, like this simple yet bursting-with-flavor chicken salad, is all it takes to lift a world-weary spirit.

We all gotta’ take a few moments to remember that we must be gentle with ourselves, and, in spite of everything, we still have to eat.

Ingredients

2 cups roast or rotisserie chicken, cubed

2 cups pre-shredded cabbage

1 cup pre-shredded carrot

2 bunches mint, stems removed and finely chopped

2 bunches Thai basil, stems removed and rough chopped

1 green scallion, trimmed and thinly sliced

1/4 cup Nuoc Cham (click the link for the recipe)

1 -2 Thai Bird chilies, stems removed, thinly sliced (optional, as these are very hot)

2 – 4 tbsp salted peanuts, rough chopped

salt and pepper to taste

Method

Mix all ingredients in a large salad bowl until well dressed. Chill for 15 minutes. Divide into salad bowls and top with the Thai Bird chilies and chopped peanuts. Serve immediately.