Thread: Summer Salad Recipes Please

We're going to another potluck BBQ on Sunday and I've been asked to bring the salads. I'm tired of the same ol', same ol', which in my book is Ramen Coleslaw and a Pasta Salad with pepperoni, black olives, and tomatoes. I need a few new recipes that are just as easy and just as delicious. Fruit salads, pasta salads, veggie salads, I'm interested in it all if it's quick, easy, and make-ahead. THANKS:-) Oh, and blueberries are on sale in my neighborhood, I believe.

Hi DessertDiva, this is my GF's Pasta salad and it'd pretty fabbo!

Shirley's Pasta Salad

1/4c lemon juice
1/2c olive oil
~ toss into blender and whirl well.

Grate a hunk o' parm cheese
1 lb penne, spiral, what ever is your favorite shaped pasta, cooked aldente
1 can pitted black olives
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, left whole or sliced in half
fresh dill (either 1/2 fresh bunch or 1 cello bag)

~combine all ingredients, mix in above oil-lemon dressing and garnish with dill
~~~ Someitmes she'll use bottled herbed or italian salad dressing
~~~~Perfect to make a day ahead, and have the flavors meld.

~~~~~~~Enjoy, Laura

Marinated Vegetables

1/2 cup sugar or up to 2 cups -- according to taste
1 1/4 cups apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup canola oil
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon salt or more -- according to taste
1/2 teaspoon pepper
assorted fresh vegetables

Mix together the ingredients for the marinade; whisk well. Add veggies and marinate overnight.

Especially good are cucumbers, onions, red and green peppers and tomatoes.

NOTES : This is one of those old-time recipes that people used to make all the time.




Black Bean and Couscous Salad

1 box flavored couscous, cooked according to directions using chicken broth -- cooled
4 green onions -- chopped
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves -- chopped
1 cup frozen corn kernels, thawed
15 ounce can black beans,drained and rinsed thoroughly
salt and pepper -- to taste

DRESSING
4 1/2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
honey, optional if dressing is too tart -- to taste

Combine couscous and vegetables in large bowl. Whisk together dressing and pour over salad. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve at once or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Source:
"allrecipes.com"




Cucumber and Tomato Salad

Recipe By :allrecipes.com

1 large tomato -- chopped
1 cucumber, peeled -- seeded and chopped
1/2 medium red onion -- slices quartered
1 16 oz. can kidney beans -- drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons fresh basil -- chopped
salt and pepper -- to taste
crumbled feta cheese

Put tomato and cucumber in a medium container with some salt. Let this sit for about an hour (if you have time), then drain juices. Add the rest of the ingredients except feta and salad dressing.

Just before serving drain again then add feta and salad dressing. You can use any dressing you like-I would s***est Greek vinaigrette or balsamic vinaigrette.

NOTES : This is a wonderful salad, full of the tastes of summer. You can omit the beans for a lighter salad.