Keepers From the Recipe Box: Favorite Summer Salads and a Refreshing Cocktail

 During hot weather I am always looking for salad recipes that don't heat up the kitchen and are refreshing to eat. Here are a few of my favorite salad recipes. I hope you try one.

My first favorite is Pineapple Cucumber Salad. When I looked at the ingredients I just didn't know how all those ingredients would go together. They do and it is so refreshing and delicious. Every time I have served it, it has been a huge hit. It pairs well with a grilled protein. 

For the full recipe go here: https://www.momontimeout.com/pineapple-cucumber-salad/

Pineapple Cucumber Lime Salad

Ingredients

• 1 pineapple chopped
• 1 English cucumber chopped
• 2 limes zested and juiced
• 1/3 cup cilantro roughly chopped
• salt and pepper optional

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients and toss lightly to distribute the lime juice and zest evenly.
• Season with salt and pepper if desired.
• Serve immediately or keep chilled until ready to serve.

Another salad recipe I just love it Mexican Shrimp Cobb Salad. What is not to like?

Here is the whole recipe: https://www.skinnytaste.com/mexican-shrimp-cobb-salad#more

Mexican Shrimp Cobb Salad

INGREDIENTS

For the Shrimp:

• 16 oz cooked large shrimp, peeled
• chipotle chili powder to taste
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• salt to taste

For the Salad:

• 6 cups romaine lettuce, shredded
• 15 oz black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup grilled corn kernels, I used Trader Joe's frozen roasted corn
• 2 tbsp red onion, divided
• 2 tbsp cilantro, chopped
• juice of 1/2 lime
• 1 seedless cucumber, diced
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 ripe hass avocado, diced
• 1 cup reduced fat Sargento Mexican Blend shredded cheese

We all need a refreshing cocktail. Here is White Cucumber Sangria.... so yummy and refreshing.

Here is the recipe:https://www.bhg.com/recipe/cucumber-sangria/

Ingredients

Ingredient Checklist

• 1 small honeydew melon
• 1 seedless cucumber, thinly sliced 
• 1 lime, thinly sliced 
• 12 fresh mint leaves
• ¼ cup lime juice
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 750 milliliter bottle Sauvignon blanc or other semi-dry white wine, chilled
• 1 1 liter bottle carbonated water, chilled
• Fresh mint sprigs and/or leaves (optional)

Directions

Instructions Checklist

• Step 1

  Cut the melon in half; remove and discard seeds and rind. Cut melon into thin slices. In a large pitcher* combine melon, cucumber, lime slices, and the 12 mint leaves. In a small bowl stir together lime juice and honey until combined; pour over melon mixture. Add wine, stirring gently. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours.

• Step 2

  To serve, stir in carbonated water. Ladle or pour into glasses. If desired, garnish with additional mint.