Now that we’re in the heat of summer, the last thing I want to do is use the oven. Just the thought of turning that knob makes me sweat. With my husband in school from 4-8 p.m. most days, we’ve had to get creative when it comes to dinner. I’m usually eating alone, and he’s eating whatever he can fit in the cooler. Summer salads seem to work for us, and they make great leftovers. I thought I’d share a few favorites from Ina Garten, fondly referred to as the Barefoot Contessa. The first four can be found in the Barefoot Contessa at Home. Bon Appetit!
- Chicken Salad Veronique: A refreshing take on the classic chicken salad. I never would have paired tarragon with green grapes, but it’s delectable. If you’d like an extra crunch, add toasted pecans. For me, they make the salad!
- Tomato Feta Salad: I always say, “Feta makes it betta!” It couldn’t be more true here. If you use a variety of cherry tomatoes, this salad is fun and colorful. A great side dish for a party!
- Potato Salad: An old favorite that never gets old. Since the recipe calls for red potatoes, you don’t have to peel the skins . . .bonus! I’m a big fan of dill and dijon mustard, two essential ingredients for this salad.
- Guacamole Salad: Did you say guacamole? Count me in! This has got to be one of the most vibrant summer salads- with yellow peppers, black beans, avocado, and grape tomatoes.
- Fresh Corn Salad: Fresh corn screams summer. I can remember my mom sending me off with a brown paper bag to husk corn on the back porch at dusk. Believe it or not, Jersey corn is tough to beat (forgetaboutit). The sweet, white kernels pop right off the cob. And the vinegar and red onion adds zip to this quick and easy dish.
Sarah says:
I. LOVE. BAREFOOT!!!! She always has these great recipes…not always for the feint of cooking…but so good. Salads are fantastic and we eat alot of them here (also look at her roasted tomato caprese salad), but she makes great soups- i love her mexican chicken and pappa al pomodoro. I know it gets a little hot cooking them, but we basically haven’t eaten anything but soup and salad for a month!
yummy!
July 14, 2009 at 7:35 am
Rana says:
I’ve been looking for some new salads for the summer. These look great! Thanks for checking out my blog.
Rana´s last blog ..Quiet Time!
July 14, 2009 at 7:42 am
Vanderbilt Wife says:
Yum–that corn salad sounds fantastic. I have a condo so can only grow in the front flower bed–I just do basil and am always looking for reasons to use it.
Sadly the corn salad is the only one my hubby would eat!
Vanderbilt Wife´s last blog ..Do the Hop
July 14, 2009 at 8:53 am
Vanessa says:
I’m so bummed that we never got to cook together before I left NJ. We love the same stuff. Fetta makes it betta! You had me laughing out loud.
Great suggestions!
Vanessa´s last blog ..Salty and Sweet: Fruit on the Grill
July 15, 2009 at 12:33 am
Faith says:
Logan and I have been making pretty basic chicken salads for dinner since Florida likes to get up to 100 degrees!! We will def. be trying some that you have posted!!
Great Post
July 16, 2009 at 9:59 am
Peter says:
Loved both the tomato and feta salad and the potato salad that I will make it for this weekend’s b-b-q! Thanks for the great time matched by great food MJ!
July 17, 2009 at 8:34 pm