What do you do when you're sick of plain sandwiches or green salads during the summer months? What else can you make? Consider some of the following cold food idea when you need to prepare a nutritious and delicious meal to your family.
Get your inspiration from south of the border. Flour tortillas can be used for so many different types of cuisines. Spread a savory cream cheese spread over the tortilla, add fresh from the garden vegetables, a slice of cheese or two and you have a wonderful cold roll-up the family will love.
Fresh fruit salads are another option to consider. Go to the local farmer's market or fruit stand to purchase fruits in season. These will be juicy and full of flavor. Slice the fruit, place it in a large bowl and refrigerate until time to enjoy it.
Three-bean salad is something you may want to prepare. If you've never prepared a three-bean salad, you'll be surprised at just how easy it is to make: Drain and rinse one 15 ounce can of green beans, one 15 ounce can of kidney beans, and one pound of wax beans. Mix these together with one sliced onion, 3/4 cup white sugar, 2/3 cup distilled white vinegar, 1/3 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon celery seed. Once the salad is thoroughly combined, allow it to set in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours. That's it! Serve and enjoy.
If you macaroni and cheese during the colder months, they'll likely enjoy cold pasta salads during the spring and summer. There are a variety of recipes to choose from when making pasta salad or you can create one of your own using your favorite pasta, veggies, cheese and dressing.
Potato salad is another great food choice when the temperatures climb. Nearly every family has a recipe that has been passed down from mother to daughter. For an extra creamy twist to your potato salad, simply add eight ounces of sour cream to the recipe. You won't believe how delicious your potato salad will be with that one extra ingredient.
If you haven't tried cold summer soups, now is the perfect time! Gazpacho is a wonderful summer soup which is served cold. It is made with onion, cucumber, green pepper, garlic, wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, tomato juice and oregano leaves. Blend all of the ingredients except the tomato juice until it is smooth. Pour the mixture into a serving bowl and then add the tomato juice. Cover it for at least six hours prior to serving.
These are but a few cold food ideas you may want to try this summer. Preparing a healthful meal doesn't mean spending hours slaving over a hot stove. Use one of these ideas or take time to search this site for more cold food ideas. Your family will appreciate the delicious meal and remain cool when the temperatures start to rise.
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