FESTIVE FARE

Easy barbecue chicken salad comes together just in time for Memorial Day weekend fun.

Here’s a quick barbecued chicken salad for Memorial Day weekend or anytime during the summer. Whether your plans include boating, swimming or just plain relaxing, it will give you time to enjoy the festivities.

The chicken, potatoes, lettuce, tomatoes and cucumbers combine to make this a one-dish, quick meal. The potatoes are cooked in the microwave. I add a little water and cover them while cooking. This keeps them moist and flavorful.

Helpful hints:

■ Any type of lettuce can be used.

■ Celery, carrots or any other vegetables you have on hand can be added to the salad.

■ Minced garlic can be found in the produce section of the market.

■ A quick way to chop chives is to snip them with a scissors.

Countdown:

■ Microwave the potatoes.

■ Cook the chicken.

■ Assemble the salad.

Shopping list:

To buy: 1/2 pound red potatoes, 3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, 1 small bottle barbecue sauce, 1 small bottle hot pepper sauce, 1 head romaine lettuce, 1 medium tomato, 1 cucumber, 1 bottle reduced fat oil and vinegar dressing and 1 bunch fresh chives (optional)

Staples: olive oil spray, minced garlic.