Salad Days

Summer is the perfect time for salads, and frankly, so is whenever you happen to be reading this. However, as I'm writing, people are scared of a parasite what's been found all over produce. Especially Lettuce. Which is exactly why I've researched several alternatives, so you won't have to. Some you've heard of, but others that will excite and delight you. All of them are pretty affordable, though. You're welcome. And if you're ready, grab your forks, and let's get into it!

First off, Beans! Now lotsa people lean heavy into one bean or another, Navy beans, String beans, and so on. But for my purposes, I'm gonna share this recipe.* Just employ your choice of mixed bean. For a time-saving version, use canned beans of any sort. Add a jar of marinated Artichoke hearts, and toss, before ading croutons, cheese, or whatever.

Next, a classic. Carrot Raisin Slaw! This one's a staple at potluck, and now you'll have a recipe** in your back pocket. Simply put 1/2 cup of Sour Cream, 1/2 cup Mayonaise, 1 tbspn Lemon juice, a tbspn. of Sugar, plus 4 cups peeled and shredded Carrots and 1 cup of Raisins into a large bowl. You could also add peeled chopped Apple, or drained Pineapple tidbits. Stir like the Dickens, and enjoy!

Here's one you might not have heard of. Jicama Slaw. Now, the dressing is gonna be similar to that last one, but instead of Lemon juice, use lime, and replace the raisins with dried sweetned Cranberries. Jicama is a crunchy South American vegetable, and this show stopper will definitely give a tropical twist to your table.

Having fun yet? Well, strap in, because we're not done yet. Ladies and Gentlemen, give it up for Fruit Salad!*** If you thought the last one was easy, get a hold of this. More specifically, your grocer's freezer isle. You're gonna want about a cup each of frozen Rasberries, Blueberres, just any kinda berries, really. Add a handful of canned Orange slices, a cup of canned Pineapple chunks, and 2 cups of peeled, sliced Banana. Then just toss these gently with a quarter cup of Honey and a quarter cup of Lemon juice. Freezing doesn't kill Psyclosporia, so use your best judgement. And there you have it!

Well, that was fairly exotic. Now our salad excursion is visiting the Mediterranean, with Pasta Salad.+ There's a lot of these out in the world, but I'm gonna keep it nice and simple. So for this, you'll need: 16 oz of Bowtie pasta, 5 oz dried basil, chopped, half a cup of Lemon Juice, Half a up of Olive oil, and 8 oz. grated parmesan or Mozerella. Cook the pasta and let it cool. And then toss it in a bowl with everything else. Once again, super simple.

Okay, okay. Just one more. I'm sure you've heard about Tater Salad? That's great, except this ones even better, because it's made how you like it. For this recipe$ you're gonna boil 2 pounds of Potatoes, chop 'em into cubes, and mix with the following: 1 cup Mayonaise, 2 tbspn vinegar, 1 tspn sugar, 1/4 tspn Black Pepper, 1 tspn. Celery seed, 1 tbspn dried onion (optional) and 2 cubed hard boiled Eggs. And my Grandpa used to add a jar of chopped Pimentos. Once you got all that, serve and enjoy!

*Old Family Recipe

**allrecios, Easy Carrot and Raisin Slaw

***Delish, Best Fruit Salad Recipe

+Barilla, Pesto Caprese Salad

$Hellman's, The Original Potato Salad Recipe (Modified.)