When summertime and grilling season get into full swing, it’s always nice to dress up your meals with some fun and flavorful side dishes that use fresh ingredients. These three salads are easy to prepare, definitely use simple ingredients, and give your guests some really colorful and flavorful options.
Patriot Salad
Tomato, Blueberry, and Mozzarella Salad with Basil and Raspberry Vinaigrette
serves 4-6
Ingredients
1 pint Grape Tomatoes
8 oz Cherry Size Mozzarella Balls, rinsed and patted dry
1 1/2 cu Blueberries, rinsed and patted dry
1/4 cu cu Basil, small whole leaves, or roughly torn
1 cu Fresh Raspberries
1/4 cu White Wine Vinegar
2 tbl Lemon Juice
2-3 Basil Leaves
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 cu Olive Oil
Method
Mix tomatoes, blueberries, 1/2 of the mozzarella, and basil in a bowl and set aside.
Place the raspberries, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and 2-3 basil leaves in a blend and puree. Strain the mixture to remove seeds and pulp then whisk in olive oil until fully emulsified. Add 3 tablespoons of the dressing to the tomato blueberry mixture and toss to combine. Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top so the clean white color contrasts with the rest of the salad.
Grilled Corn and Tomatillo Salad with Yellow Peppers, Jalapeños and Lime
serves 4-6
Ingredients
3 ears Sweet Corn, husked
1 tsp Olive oil
3-4 Tomatillos
1 sm White Onion, sliced into thin slices, or diced
1 Yellow Pepper, seeded and chopped
1 tbl Fresh Lime Juice
3 tbl Fresh Cilantro, chopped
1 1/2 tsp Salt
1 stp Pepper
4 oz Queso Fresco, crumbled
Method
Rub corn with olive oil and place them on a hot grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until you’ve gotten a nice char. Remove from grill and allow to cool slightly. Then cut the corn from the cob and add to a large bowl. Add tomatillos, onion, yellow pepper, lime juice, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine and sprinkle queso fresco on top.
Avocado Pear Salad with A Honey Lemon Dressing and Shaved Almonds
serves 6-8
Ingredients
3 tbl Lemon Juice
1 tbl Honey
3 tbl Olive Oil
1 Shallot, finely minced
1 Jalapeño Pepper, thinly sliced, seeds removed
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
3 firm Pears, sliced, stemmed, seeded and cut into wedges
2 firm but ripe, Avocados, pitted, peeled and cut into wedges (do this just when you’re about to serve)
1/2 cu fresh Mint, torn into small pieces
1/4 cu Almond Slivers
Method
Whisk together lemon juice and honey. When combined, whisk in olive oil until emulsified. Pour into a bowl and add shallots, jalapeño slices, and pear slices. Season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Gently toss to combine and let mixture rest for 30 minutes. When ready to serve, add in the avocados, fresh mint and almonds. Toss to combine and season again to your taste.
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