Cool Food for Hot Days - Refreshing Summer Salads

With the hot weather either imminent or already here there is nothing more refreshing for dinner than a delicious salad. Leafy greens are the best vehicle for a salad but not the only way to go. Summer Casual would like to share two easy and delicious recipes with you to make for yourself or share with friends and family.

Classic Caprese Salad
Fresh & Tangy - Feeds Four As Side Salads

Ingredients

• 4 Roma Tomatoes
• 1 Cup Fresh Mozzarella cut into small pieces
• Fresh Basil chopped
• 4 Cups Dark Leafy Greens
• Balsamic Reduction

Directions

• Divide the lettuce onto 4 plates
• Cut each tomato into 6-8 pieces; place one cut up tomato per plate
• Top each salad with a generous handful of mozzarella pearls and basil
• Drizzle balsamic reduction on top of each salad
• ALT RECIPE: Make it a Pasta Salad! Replace the greens with 2 cups cooked pasta.

Strawberry Cheddar Salad with Raspberry-Walnut Vinaigrette
Sweet & Salty - Feeds Two as a Meal

Ingredients

• 4 Cups of Chopped Iceberg Lettuce
• 1 Cup of Strawberries, sliced in half
• 1 Cup Croutons (any that you like)
• 1 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1/4 Cup Store Bought Raspberry-Walnut Vinaigrette

Directions

• Toss the chopped lettuce with the vinaigrette
• Divide the lettuce onto 2 plates
• Place the strawberries and croutons in a circle around the lettuce
• Put 1/2 the shredded cheddar on each plate, in the center of the strawberry circle
• NOTE: If this prep is too fancy just toss all of the ingredients in a large bowl. The salad will be just as delicious.
• ALT RECIPES: For more protein add some diced cooked chicken. For a lower fat version use 1/4 cup of lowfat Feta cheese per salad instead of 1/2 cup cheddar and toss with 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar.

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Enjoy Dining Outdoors
What better way to enjoy fresh food than by dining in the fresh air? Whether you are dining solo or feeding a crowd food always tastes better outdoors. A popular Summer Casual set for outdoor dining is the Alveranda Collection. The attractive and customizable Alveranda Collection includes a Dining Set for 6, a Bistro Set, Lounge Chairs and a cushioned Bench.