Perfect Summer Salads for Outdoor Parties

I just love this time of year for many reasons but I especially love yummy food-filled gatherings with family and friends. I find when you have an outdoor gathering it really influences the foods you prepare.

Salads are nice and light for warmer weather but left a minute too long and you’re in for a soggy dish. When preparing for an outdoor party it’s best to stay away from leafy lettuce salads and opt for hearty vegetable and/or grain salads instead.

Here are two of my favourite summer salad recipes:

Hearty Coleslaw

I used to think coleslaw was just a sloppy side that came with fast food, but I’ve grown quite an appreciation for it. Its crunchy staying power makes it the perfect salad alternative.

This recipe is not your typical mayo drenched slaw recipe; it’s light and versatile. Perfect as a complimentary side or add some protein and make it a main.

What You’ll Need:

• 2 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp. apple-cider vinegar
• 3 cups mixed shredded kale and red cabbage
• 1 carrot, peeled and julienned
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves
• ¼ of a red onion thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp. sunflower seeds
• 2 tbsp. pumpkin seeds
• Coarse salt and pepper

Serves 2-4

What To Do:

1. In a small bowl, whisk olive oil, mustard, and apple-cider vinegar.
2. In another bowl, combine kale, cabbage, carrot, cilantro, and red onion with sunflower, and pumpkin seeds.
3. Season slaw with salt and pepper, drizzle with dressing, and toss to coat.

Summer Broccoli Salad

This salad recipe is so satisfying. You get the saltiness from the bacon, the sweetness from the cranberries and maple dressing, and the crunch from the broccoli and pumpkin seeds. It’s basically just a big bowl of nutritious goodness!

What You’ll Need:

• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 strips bacon, cooked
• 1 green onion, chopped
• 1 Tbsp cranberries, chopped
• 1 Tbsp pumpkin seeds

Dressing:

• 3 Tbsp plain yogurt
• 3 Tbsp sour cream
• 1 Tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tsp white vinegar

Makes 2 servings

What To Do:

1. In a bowl, combine the broccoli, bacon, onion, cranberries and pumpkin seeds.
2. In a small bowl, combine the dressing ingredients; stir until smooth.
3. Pour over broccoli mixture and toss gently.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving, stirring occasionally.

What are some of your favourite summer salads? Do you have any tips for keeping them cool at summer parties?

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