Summer Garden Salad Recipes

PERFECT GARDEN SALAD

Steps:

• Tear lettuce into bite sized pieces and wash and dry thoroughly. Place in large salad bowl (wider than it is deep). Top with prepared vegetables.
• Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cheese. Go lightly until you learn how much is "to taste" for you.
• Pour oil over salad, then vinegar. It is important that the oil be first. Quantity requires a bit of practice - go light on the vinegar at first. You can add more if needed. Aim to coat the top layer of vegetables. Toss until well mixed. Taste - add vinegar or oil if needed, and toss again. Do not add dry ingredients (see below). Serve immediately.
• Note: Your first couple salads may not be perfect. If you find that you didn't add enough salt or pepper, let diners add more as served - you can't get it well dispersed if you add to the salad bowl after the oil and vinegar have been added If you find that you added too much vinegar, a little salt can counteract - again, add as served.

SUMMER GARDEN SALAD

Steps:

• Place tomato and cucumber in a small bowl; add the celery, olives, onion, mint and parsley. Toss to combine., In another small bowl, whisk the oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and pepper; pour over tomato mixture and toss to coat. Divide vegetables between two plates; sprinkle with cheese. Garnish with mint leaves if desired.

SUMMER GARDEN SALAD WITH CHILI-GARLIC SHRIMP

Steps:

• Mix chili-garlic sauce, cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in large bowl. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy large nonstick skillet over high heat until hot. Add half of shrimp and sauté until cooked through, about 3 minutes. Using tongs, transfer shrimp to plate. Add 1 tablespoon oil to same skillet. Add remaining shrimp and sauté until cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer shrimp to plate and cool.
• Cook corn in pot of boiling salted water until almost tender, about 5 minutes. Drain and cool. Cut corn kernels off cobs. Mix corn, tomatoes, and cucumber into shrimp.
• Whisk remaining 2 tablespoons oil, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, lime juice, soy sauce, and sesame oil in medium bowl. (Shrimp mixture and dressing can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate.)
• Combine shrimp mixture with any accumulated juices, avocado, greens, and mint in large bowl. Add dressing and toss to coat.

SUMMER GARDEN COUSCOUS SALAD

Steps:

• Place corn in a Dutch oven; cover with water. Bring to a boil; cover and cook for 6-9 minutes or until tender. Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, bring broth to a boil. Stir in couscous. Remove from the heat; cover and let stand for 5-10 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool slightly., In a large bowl, combine the cucumber, tomatoes, cheese, onion and parsley. Drain corn and immediately place in ice water. Drain and pat dry; cut the kernels from the cobs. Add to cucumber mixture. Stir in couscous., In a small bowl, whisk the oil, lemon juice and seasonings. Pour over couscous mixture; toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until chilled.

SUMMER GARDEN SALAD

Steps:

• For the dressing: Combine the buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, garlic powder, vinegar and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Transfer to a ramekin.
• For the salad: Place the ramekin in the center of a platter. Arrange the lettuce around the dressing. Layer the tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers on top of the lettuce and serve.

SUMMER GARDEN SALAD

Steps:

• In a jar blend vinegar, mustard and garlic. Whisk in oil and season with salt and pepper. Shake well.
• In a large salad bowl combine vegetables (beans - radishes).
• Add dressing and toss.
• Chill at least 1 hour before serving.