Summer is the time for cold salads – potato and pasta salads being obvious front runners. And no wonder. They are easy to make ahead, packed with flavor and perfect beside a meal off the grill, cold sandwiches, fried chicken, or just a lovely buffet of several cold salads. I am always looking for interesting new ideas for cold summer salads, inspired often … [Read more...] about Rice, Pea and Feta Salad
Salads
Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprout Salad
One year at Thanksgiving, I suddenly had the urge to serve some kind of raw green salad. I can’t imagine why – there was more than enough food to serve everyone three times, with leftovers. But it just got lodged in my mind, so I bought some brussels sprouts, because I have some sprout lovers in my family, with no real plan. I googled and thought and kept coming back to a hot … [Read more...] about Cacio e Pepe Brussels Sprout Salad
Orzo Caprese Pasta Salad with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette
Summer’s high heat days are the time for cold salads that are filling and satisfying, but easy to prepare and to eat. I haven’t reinvented any wheels with this recipe, just taken the classic combination of tomatoes, basil and mozzarella to create a refreshing, simple summer meal. Because when the ingredients are at the peak of freshness, simple is best. I return to this flavor … [Read more...] about Orzo Caprese Pasta Salad with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette
Autumn Celebration Salad with Port Poached Pears, Maple Pepper Walnuts, Stilton Croutons
I’ll be honest, I am not a big salad eater. Because I feel like, for the most part, salad is often just an afterthought. Sure, I like a restaurant salad with nice add-ins that I am not going to get at home, but I find most home salads come from a bag and use processed, packaged toppings and bottled dressing. People seem to volunteer to bring the salad to a party because it’s … [Read more...] about Autumn Celebration Salad with Port Poached Pears, Maple Pepper Walnuts, Stilton Croutons
Lyonnaise Style Platter Salad
On the calendar, summer is moving into fall. On the thermometer, not so much. Theoretically, we are all ready for soups and stews and pumpkin everything. But really? It’s still over 90 degrees outside here. So a hearty cold meal is still very much welcome, but one with some substance and depth. I turn here to my new favorite easy entertaining option – the platter salad. With … [Read more...] about Lyonnaise Style Platter Salad
