Carrot and Raisin Salad

This recipe is a classic one from my childhood. Since I don't have the recipe handy, I'm just going to make it up from memory. With only three ingredients, its easy and inexpensive. And - most kids like it!

You'll use this recipe as a side dish for BBQs, or even another great tasting dish for wedding or baby showers.

Let nostalgia reign. And good eyesight (from the carrots) will be a wonderful side effect.

Ingredients:

2 1/2 c. shredded carrots (use full-sized carrots and a grater)
3/4 c. raisins
3-4 T. light mayonnaise

Directions:

Grate the carrots into a large bowl. Add raisins, mayo and combine.

Serve immediately, or refrigerate until mealtime. This is a great salad to prepare ahead of time. 12-24 hours will allow the flavors to combine well. Keeps in the fridge for about 2-3 days.

Sweet, healthy goodness!

Easy Coleslaw Salad Recipe

On a recent vacation to Palm Springs, our family enjoyed this Easy Coleslaw Salad Recipe. Fast and delicious, it can be a vegetarian meal (without chicken), or even a way to use leftover grilled chicken. For extra quick and easy, try using frozen breaded chicken nuggets/breasts.

With longer days ahead, you may be looking for potluck ideas. Because the coleslaw is made without mayonnaise, it keeps longer. We just love this as refreshing side dish, or for a meal.

As an accompaniment, this will serve about 8, but as a main dish, about 5-6:

Ingredients:

1 bag of coleslaw mix (you can make your own by shredding cabbage and carrots in a 2:1 ratio to make 3 cups)

1 bunch of green onions chopped

2 cups crispy won-ton noodles

1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or Mozzarella)

4-6 T. creamy poppyseed or sweet and sour dressing (buy it, or make your own)

1-2 cups sliced black olives (optional)

1-2 cups cubed cooked chicken breast (optional)

Directions:

Simply place all ingredients into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and shake until everything is coated with dressing. Taste and decide if you wish to add more dressing.

C'mon - I know you'll try it soon! Bring on summer and picnics!

Orzo and Bean Salad

A quick salad recipe that will take you 20 minutes, tops, is this favorite of mine: Orzo and Bean Salad.

Perfect for Vegetarians, and an excellent dish for spring and summer barbeques, I've been making this delicious, fresh-tasting salad for years.

The beans and pasta make it filling enough to stand in for main course!

Ingredients:

2/3 c. orzo pasta
1 can black beans
1 1/2 c. corn kernels
1 chopped tomato
1/3 c. chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 c. sliced green onions
1 t. grated lime zest
1/3 c. PLUS 1 T. lime juice

Directions:

Cook pasta until tender (about 10 minutes), then drain and rinse

In a large bowl, mix pasta together with remaining ingredients.

That's it! You'll have a delicious, fresh pasta salad that everyone can enjoy. If you like, serve with mashed avocado (or your homemade guacamole), sour cream and/or tortilla chips!