29

Mar

Fruit salads

Filed Under (Articles) by Webmaster on 29-03-2009

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 Fruit Salads: There’s more to Salad than Lettuce

 
When we think of a salad the first thing that comes to mind is usually lettuce. Although lettuce makes a great salad it’s not always a necessity. Salads can be made up of just about anything and fruit is a great way to change things up a bit.
 
Fruit salads consist of, you guessed it, fruit. Of course they can include lettuce if you like, but the main component is fruit. Think of all the different types of fruit we have to choose from. Now imagine all the different ways of using those fruits in luscious salads.
 
Traditional fruit salads are quick and easy to prepare. For instance if you have a couple cans of fruit cocktail in the cabinet just drain them, dump them in a salad bowl and add a few little extras. Extras can consist of whipped topping, marshmallows, nuts or even a sprinkle of coconut.
 
You can go even farther and healthier by adding fresh fruits to your fruit salads. Berries aren’t the only fruits that work well. Peaches, pears, oranges or, well just about any fruit can make a fruit salad that’s fit for any occasion.
 
Traditional fruit salads can be used as a side dish or even as a dessert on any menu. Basic fresh fruit salads can be the perfect addition to any breakfast or can be used to please that hungry stomach at snack time.
 
Another type of fruit salad is a citrus salad. Oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes all make great fruit salad ingredients. Add some additional toppings or elements and who knows you may even have the kids begging for more. These types of salads can have a little bite so add some whipped topping or a brown sugar based dressing to keep those lips from puckering up too much.
 
Exotic fruit salads are making a place on the table these days. Even less known fruits such as pomegranate, papaya, star fruit and kiwi are showing up more and more in local supermarkets. These tasty treats can make a fruit salad stand out both in presentation and taste.
 
Fruit salads are easy to make. With the many varieties of fruit available like grapes, cherries, apricots and of course all those berries you can make this type of salad a constant at the table. A fruit salad can be made simple with canned fruits, extravagant with fresh fruits or even fun with dried fruits. No matter which way you decide to go fruit salads are sure to be hit with everyone. 

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20

Mar

Make it a Pasta Salad Night

Filed Under (Articles) by Webmaster on 20-03-2009

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 Make it a Pasta Salad Night

 
In recent years pasta salads have taken center stage on salad bars everywhere. People are bringing them to potluck dinners, creating them for family reunions and ordering them in their favorite restaurants. Why not create your own pasta salad for the dinner table at home? It’s easy and even better, they are delicious.
 
Pasta comes in many shapes, sizes and colors these days. From angel hair pasta to spaghetti and elbow macaroni to tiny shells, pasta has claimed its place on the grocery shelves. Pasta comes in so many different varieties it might be hard to decide which one to use.
 
Here are a few examples to help get you started, but one favorite pasta salad that has been around for years at picnics and family reunions is macaroni salad. It can be made in many different varieties. With a little mayonnaise, mustard, dill, sweet pickles and even hard boiled eggs you can make macaroni salad in no time. Add onion or even cubes of cheese to give it your own personal touch.
 
Tired of those mashed potatoes or rice dishes every night? Why not make a pasta salad in their place. Pasta salads make great side dishes. They go well with pork, beef, chicken and fish. Everyone will enjoy the change.
 
When making pasta salad, remember to cool the pasta before adding any vegetables or dressings.   Fresh or frozen vegetables can be added to these great creations. For the dressings most pasta salads are made with Italian or Ranch dressing but you can always use your favorite to see how it tastes.
 
Pasta salads are a great take along for a potluck dinner or family picnic. These salads are simple to make but taste great. Shrimp works well in a salad of this type. Orzo or Tabbouleh make wonderful bases for picnic style salads. 
 
Orzo and Tabbouleh are a type of pasta that resembles rice grains. These types of pasta can be used to create warm or cold salads that will stretch to feed a crowd. 
 
Pasta salads can be quite healthy also. Use wheat pasta, add fresh vegetables and a low calorie or low fat dressing. It will taste so good no one will even realize just how healthy it is. 
 
Pasta salads are easy to make and the possibilities are endless. Start with your favorite pasta as the base line. Add your favorite vegetables, nuts or other favorite ingredients and a dressing. Before you know it you will have a salad that everybody wants the recipe for. 
 
Pasta salad is a dish that anyone can create. There are plenty of pasta salad recipes that we already know and love. Mix up the menu a bit and add pasta salad as a side dish or main dish every once in a while.

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18

Mar

Using Leftovers to Create Great Salads

Filed Under (Articles) by Webmaster on 18-03-2009

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 Using Leftovers to Create Great Salads

 
How many times have you heard someone in your family say this? “I don’t want that for dinner. We just had the same thing last night.” More often than not when it comes to making use of leftovers this is a common occurrence in most households. What happens next? The food stays in the refrigerator for 3 or 4 days then it hits the trash. What a waste of good food and money.
 
There’s a way to use those leftovers that’s quick, saves money and will keep the whining and complaining to a minimum. Create a salad. That’s right a salad. How? It’s pretty simple when you think about it. Here are a few salad ideas made with leftovers you can try the next time you’ve got food in the fridge that no one wants to finish off.
 
Take a look at the meat you have from previous meals. That roast beef can be sliced and added to a salad for a hearty lunch. What about pork? Add it to a salad with some sesame seeds and coleslaw for an Asian side dish. 
 
Left over hamburger can be added to a bit of lettuce to make a taco salad. Add tomatoes, cheese, black olives and onion with a little dab of sour cream. Toss in some tortilla chips or use the ingredients to fill a taco salad bowl and you have the perfect taco salad to delight the whole family.
 
What about chicken or turkey leftovers? Don’t throw that carcass in the trash just yet. Remove the meat from the bones. Add some mayonnaise, celery, hard boiled eggs and pickles and you have the perfect lunchtime salad or after school snack.
 
Leftover vegetables always seem to be pushed to the back of the fridge. Nobody wants to eat broccoli, cauliflower, carrots or peas again. Place these items in a salad and watch your family dive right in. Add their favorite dressing and you’ll have a hit on your hands.
 
Leftover fruit can also be made into a yummy fruit salad. Add a few marshmallows, some nuts and a dab of whipped topping and you have the makings of a perfect dessert. 
 
Leftovers can be more of a love than hate relationship with the entire family. By using leftovers to make delicious salads you save time, money and can get one over on even the pickiest leftover eater. Give it a shot and see what great combinations you can come up with to make those leftovers end up in the belly instead of the garbage can.

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