A family gathering is such a busy time. Party food is easy with simple, make ahead recipes that will leave more time for last minute preparations. These healthy cold vegetable salad recipes will make a delicious addition to any buffet table, picnic or barbecue.
Three Bean Salad Recipe
- 2 cans (14 - 16 oz) cut green beans (NOT French style), drained
- 2 cans (14 - 16 oz) cut yellow (wax) beans, drained
- 2 cans (14 - 16 oz) kidney beans, lightly rinsed and drained
- 1 large red onion, peeled and thinly sliced in rings
- 1/4 cup snipped fresh parsley
- 1 1/2 - 2 cups Italian style salad dressing
- 2 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed and chopped fine (about 1 tbsp. and 1 tsp.)
How to Put Three Bean Salad Together:
- Add first four ingredients into a large bowl.
- Combine the remaining ingredients in a separate bowl.
- Pour liquid dressing mixture over the beans; toss well.
- Cover and refrigerate, stirring occasionally, for at least four hours or until thoroughly chilled. Serve with a slotted spoon.
Makes 12 servings of Three Bean Salad
Cold Beet Salad Recipe
Does everyone turn up their noses at the dinner table when beets are served? Not anymore with this delicious and attractive cold salad recipe. It is such a pretty color that it makes great party food or the perfect buffet table addition for a family gathering, bridal shower or baby shower.
- 3 cans (14 - 16 oz.) diced beets, drained
- 1/4 cup finely minced white onion
- 1/2 - 3/4 cup Kraft Miracle Whip Salad Dressing (use the larger amount for a creamier texture)
How to Put Cold Beet Salad Together:
Combine all ingredients. Chill thoroughly.
Makes 8 to 10 servings of Cold Beet Salad
Recipe Note: Diced beets may only be found canned in a Harvard Sauce in some areas; these can still be used but remember to rinse the beets and then drain them before combining with the other ingredients.
Dill Cucumber Salad Recipe
This recipe contains a technique to "weep" the cucumbers ahead of mixing with the other ingredients. This will prevent the cucumber salad from becoming too runny. This cold salad recipe tastes fresh and light.
- 4 medium cucumbers, unpeeled and very thinly sliced
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 cup dairy sour cream
- 1/4 cup finely minced white onion
- 1 clove garlic, crushed and chopped fine (about 2 tsp.)
- 1 tbsp. granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp. dried dill weed
How to Put Dill Cucumber Salad Together:
- In a large, flat bottomed bowl, layer the thinly sliced cucumber sprinkling salt sparingly between the layers.
- Invert a plate over the top of the cucumber layers and weigh it down with a large can of vegetables or other suitable object. Refrigerate for 4 to 6 hours or overnight.
- Combine all remaining ingredients in a small bowl; chill until cucumbers are ready.
- When ready, drain the cucumber juice from the bowl and discard. Add the chilled dressing to the cucumbers and combine thoroughly.
Makes 12 servings of Dill Cucumber Salad
Healthy Eating with Healthy Salad Recipes
Ingredients like the Italian style salad dressing, the Miracle Whip Salad Dressing and the dairy sour cream can all be either the regular or lighter versions. Completely fat free substitutions are not recommended.
All three cold salad recipes are best served thoroughly chilled. Enjoy them as dinner or party food along with a bowl of delicious citrus punch and trays of uncommon or unusual cheeses at the next family gathering, no matter what the occasion.
Deborah Read - A writer on movies, music and their history for 35 years, Deborah IS trivia. Her 27+ years of decorating work has put her consulting ...
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