Summer is here and there’s nothing better than hosting your friends on your patio! Awnings create a foolproof plan that can be used for gatherings-rain or shine! No more last-minute weather cancellations and rain checks needed with a high quality covering on your outdoor space. A necessity in these unpredictable Wisconsin summers! What pairs great with outdoor parties? Salads! These fun salads are great to bring to your friends’ gatherings or for when you host your own. From basic to brand new, these recipes will have all your friends talking!
Watermelon Salad with Cucumber and Feta
Looking for something light and fresh to add some flare to your barbeque? Maybe you need a new way to spice up that extra watermelon. This salad is perfect for the sweet & the savory lovers, and fresh herbs that can be bought from the store or grown yourself.
Produce
• 1 tbsp basil
• 1 Lime
• 1 tbsp mint
• 2 small cucumbers
• 1 watermelon chopped up to small cubes
Baking & Spices
• 1 Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
Oils & Vinegars
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
Dairy
• A hefty sprinkle of feta cheese
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Need some added greens to your dinner party? This summer salad is a staple for those looking to add some color and keep that hearty salad feel. You can adjust the dressing to fit your needs, but we prefer it a little tarter to balance the sweet from the strawberries and oranges.
Poppy Seed Dressing
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1 ½ teaspoons minced onion
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ cup canola oil
Salad
• 9 ounce bag fresh spinach
• 16 ounces fresh strawberries sliced
• 15 ounces mandarin oranges drained
• ½ cup sliced almonds
Cilantro Lime Pasta Salad
Not feeling like lettuce? Let’s talk pasta salad. A classic crowd-favorite at any get together, this salad is sure to please even the picky eaters. With a basic cherry tomato and red onion to get that fresh taste and mixing in some creamy avocado bites to really blend it all together. Give this a try to make your outdoor dining experience one you won’t forget.
Produce
• 1 Avocados
• 1 1/2 cups Cherry tomatoes
• 6 tbsp Coriander
• 1 1/2 cups Corn
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 1/2 Red onion, small
Condiments
• 1/4 cup lime juice, fresh
• A dash or orange juice
• Pasta & Grains
• 8 oz bow tie pasta
Baking & Spices
• 1/8 tsp cayenne
• 1/2 tsp Salt
Dairy
• 1 Cotija cheese
• 1/2 cup greek yogurt, plain
Chickpea Salad with Cucumber and Cabbage
Fiber is important, even in a side. This salad focuses on chickpeas for extra protein and fiber while still being a tasty lower calorie treat. Maybe not the most ideal for those picky eaters who might not be the biggest garbanzo bean fan, but a great new salad for something a little different at your dinner party!
• 1 extra large cucumber, or two small cucumbers
• 1/2 large red onion
• 2 (15 oz) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh herbs, pick your favorite!
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds or pepitas
Dressing:
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• Juice of one lemon
• 1 tablespoon sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste
Chinese Chicken Salad
Looking for a less traditional salad for your party, this simple salad with an Asian twist is perfect. The sweet from the oranges compliments the spice from the ginger, and the savory from the green onions. You can of course add and remove any ingredients you don’t want, but we don’t recommend skipping the wonton noodles for that fun little crunch. The chicken can also be switched for shrimp for a substitution as well.
Meat
• 3 cups Chicken
Produce
• 2 Carrots, diced
• 1 cup Edamame
• 1 tsp Garlic
• 1 tsp Ginger
• 1 cup Mandarin orange, slices
• 2 cups Napa cabbage
• 2 cups Red cabbage
• 2 cups Romaine lettuce
• Chopped green onion
Meat
• 3 cups Chicken
Produce
• 2 Carrots, julienned (about 1 cup), large
• 1 cup Edamame
• 1 tsp Garlic
• 1 tsp Ginger
• 1 cup Mandarin orange, slices
• 2 cups Napa cabbage
• 2 cups Red cabbage
• 2 cups Romaine lettuce
• 1 bunch Scallions
Condiments
• 1 tsp Chili-garlic sauce
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce
• Pasta & Grains
• 1 3.5 oz. bag Wonton noodles, Crunchy
Baking & Spices
• 1 tbsp Brown sugar or cane sugar syrup
• 1/4 tsp Salt & pepper
Oils & Vinegars
• 8 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp Rice wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp Sesame oil
Nuts & Seeds
• 1/2 cup Almonds
Black Bean Salsa Recipe
Calling all cilantro lovers! This is less of a salad and more of a salsa, but honestly it is so good that it could easily be eaten alone or on top of a Mexican chopped salad as well, or on top of burrito bowls for an additional colorful side. This is a great side to take to your friends and family for the easy transport and versatility to be salad or dip. Pack some tortilla chips and decide on the way!
Produce
• 1/4 cup Cilantro, fresh
• 2 cups Corn
• 1/4 cup Green onion
• 1/2 cup Red onion
• 2 Tomatoes, large
• 1/4 of a jalapeno diced and de-seeded
Condiments
• 2 tbsp Lime juice, fresh
• 2 tbsp olive oil
Baking & Spices
• A pinch of salt and pepper
• A dash of cumin
Other
• 1.5-2 cups black beans
• Green chiles if you want an additional kick!