Summer gatherings and family reunions often call for dishes that are both delicious and easy to prepare for a crowd. Salads are the perfect solution! They're refreshing, customizable, and can be made ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy the company of your loved ones. This blog post offers two fantastic family reunion salad recipes – one vibrant and fresh, the other hearty and satisfying – guaranteed to be a hit with everyone.
Recipe 1: Sunshine Citrus & Avocado Salad (Healthy Meals, Easy Recipes)
This vibrant salad is packed with fresh flavors and healthy ingredients, making it a perfect light yet satisfying option for a summer gathering. It's also incredibly easy to make, even if you're juggling other reunion preparations.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 orange, segmented
- 1 grapefruit, segmented
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Dressing:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Prepare the ingredients: Dice the avocados, halve the cherry tomatoes, segment the orange and grapefruit, and thinly slice the red onion. Rinse and chop the cilantro.
- Combine the salad: Gently toss the avocados, tomatoes, citrus segments, red onion, feta cheese, and cilantro in a large bowl.
- Whisk the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Avoid over-mixing to prevent the avocados from mashing.
- Serve immediately or chill: This salad is delicious served immediately, but can also be chilled for up to 2 hours before serving.
Quick Dinner Ideas & Cooking Tips:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
- To prevent the avocados from browning, toss them with a little lime juice before adding them to the salad.
- Feel free to substitute other citrus fruits, such as mandarins or tangerines.
- This salad is also great with grilled chicken or shrimp added for extra protein.
Recipe 2: Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad (Delicious Dishes, Best Recipes)
This creamy pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for those who prefer a more substantial salad. It's great served chilled and can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a large crowd.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (rotini, farfalle, or penne work well)
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup chopped black olives (optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, white wine vinegar, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, celery, red bell pepper, cheddar cheese, and black olives (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to combine.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Homemade Cooking & Variations:
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Add cooked bacon or ham for extra protein and flavor.
- Substitute different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Colby.
- You can prepare this salad a day ahead of time, which is great for busy cooks preparing for a large gathering.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving - will vary depending on ingredients and portion size):
Sunshine Citrus & Avocado Salad: Calories: Approximately 250-300; Fat: 15-20g; Protein: 5-7g; Carbohydrates: 15-20g
Creamy Ranch Pasta Salad: Calories: Approximately 400-450; Fat: 25-30g; Protein: 10-12g; Carbohydrates: 40-45g
These delicious and easy-to-make salads are sure to be a highlight of your next family reunion. Enjoy!