What Are the Best Salad Recipes for a BBQ?

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Discussion Overview

The thread focuses on various salad recipes that participants enjoy for barbecues, with several users sharing their personal favorites and experiences related to specific salads. Participants discuss different ingredients and preparation methods, highlighting the appeal of certain salads during warm weather gatherings.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, mentions trying Asian pasta salad, colossal salad, and wilted spinach, seeking additional recommendations.
  • Another participant shares a recipe for taco salad, describing it as a crowd-pleaser that their mother makes regularly during the summer.
  • Several users mention enjoying Strawberry Spinach Salad and Mandarin Pasta Salad, with one participant expressing a strong preference for the latter.
  • One participant recounts a less favorable experience with the Mandarin Pasta Salad at two different gatherings, noting it did not receive positive feedback.
  • Another participant expresses surprise at the negative feedback regarding the Mandarin Pasta Salad, suggesting variations in preparation might affect taste.
  • One participant shares their success with Chilled Seafood Salad, indicating it was well-received at a recent barbecue.
  • Another participant describes Frog Eye Salad, detailing its ingredients and expressing a fondness for it despite initial skepticism about pasta in the dish.
  • One participant mentions a layered Southwestern Salad they enjoy, highlighting its ingredients and dressing.
  • Another participant shares their version of Harvest Chicken Salad, noting its popularity among friends and family.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ regarding the appeal of specific salads, particularly the Mandarin Pasta Salad, which some participants love while others did not find it impressive. No clear consensus emerges on the best salad for barbecues.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal experiences and recipes, reflecting a variety of tastes and preferences for salads suitable for warm weather gatherings.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants looking for salad ideas for barbecues may find the shared recipes and experiences helpful in exploring different options.

heat123
heat123
Silver Member
Messages
6,922
We have a bbq and I wanted to try a salad... anyone have any faves they recommend? I've done the Asain pasta salad and the colossal salad and the wilted spinich. Any other highly suggested ones?

Thanks!
 
taco salad...

brown ground beef, drain. add taco seasoning with directions (water).
let it cool.

then layer the following: kidney beans, tomatoes, lettuce, sliced or chopped olives, shredded cheese, crushed doritos (about a half of bag). Sprinkle Doritos on top, then prepare 1 good seasons dressing fresh. Pour over the top of doritos.

My mom makes this special dish May til Sept, and then our mouths water all winter for it!! It is a crowd pleaser!

Can be done in the trifle bowl.
 
Summer Cobb Salad

Dressing:
1 orange
1/4 cup honey
11/2 TBL vegetable oil
2 TBL rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
1/2 tsp salt & pepper

Salad:
2 packages (10 oz each) torn romaine lettuce
1/2 medium cucumber; seeded & sliced thin
1 1/2 cups strawberries, hulled & sliced
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1 large carrot, peeled & julienne strips
1/4 cup coarsely grated radishes
1/2 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
1 cup blueberries
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
ummm, all of these sound good!
 
Hands down, it's the Mandarin Pasta Salad!! Home Office needs to SERIOUSLY put this one in a more "permanent" cookbook!!!

It is, without a doubt, some of the best salad you'll EVER eat, I guarantee!!!

Best wishes!
Paula
 
  • Thread starter
  • #7
I actually tried this with a family party and then again at another bbq party and suprisingly they weren't impressed with it!??? That was one of the few recipes I didn't get a "wow that was great" response 2x over (the other was the seafood pasta salad). ???
 
Wow! I'm very surprised about that one, as we just love it so much! Well, I guess everyone's entitled to their opinion, huh? <smile>

What was it they didn't care for? Did you let it sit for awhile before serving? I know that the pasta will really soak up the dressing, which gives it alot of flavor. Also, when I make it, I use extra spinach.

Obviously, it's a "flavor" thing....maybe go for a totally different slant on the dressing, and you may hit paydirt!!

There's always a fresh fruit salad, which can be really good in warm weather!!

Good luck!
Paula
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
Paula R. Lewis said:
Wow! I'm very surprised about that one, as we just love it so much! Well, I guess everyone's entitled to their opinion, huh? <smile>

What was it they didn't care for? Did you let it sit for awhile before serving? I know that the pasta will really soak up the dressing, which gives it alot of flavor. Also, when I make it, I use extra spinach.

Obviously, it's a "flavor" thing....maybe go for a totally different slant on the dressing, and you may hit paydirt!!

There's always a fresh fruit salad, which can be really good in warm weather!!

Good luck!
Paula
Click to expand...
I'm not sure what it was really? I thought it was tasty! I was really suprised!:confused: I the last salad I made for them was the Colossal salad and everyone liked that one!:)
 
I like the Chilled Seafood Salad from the salad recipe that came out last year. My family loves it, I made it for today and have none left, my mom made potato salad and frog eye salad and she had 2 scoops out of each of hers. So I know my salad was a hit.
 
Chef Ritz said:
I like the Chilled Seafood Salad from the salad recipe that came out last year. My family loves it, I made it for today and have none left, my mom made potato salad and frog eye salad and she had 2 scoops out of each of hers. So I know my salad was a hit.
Click to expand...
What is frog eye salad?
 
It is made with small round pasta, I don't know what the name is, with cool whip, marshmallows, mandarian oranges, and pudding. I don't know for sure what else but it is wonderful.
 
the pasta part sounds just a tad weird....
 
  • Thread starter
  • #14
Chef Ritz said:
It is made with small round pasta, I don't know what the name is, with cool whip, marshmallows, mandarian oranges, and pudding. I don't know for sure what else but it is wonderful.
Click to expand...
I think I have seen this before, never tasted it though and yes pasta does sound strange in this mixture!:confused:
 
The pasta is not like a noodle or and elbow, it is more like tapioca (don't know how to spell it). It is like a ball.
 
Tapioca sounds like it would be good in this.

Curiosity got the best of me and I looked up some recipes. The pasta is called 'Acini Di Pepe'. The photos look appetizing too.
 
I like the layered Southwestern Salad from the old salad cards.I don't have it in front of me, but it's got layers of:
romaine lettuce
beans (calls for 1 can, I use 2; black or pinto, drained and rinsed)
tomato
cheese
chicken
corn chipshmm.... can't remember what else. The dressing is equal parts sour cream and salsa mixed together.
 
try MY version of the Harvest Chicken Salad with MY salad dressing...it has been a show stopper and people call me and tell that they make it all the time and love my idea for the dressing go to my website..../jacarr
 
My grandma makes that fruit salad w/ pasta, I thought it was odd too, but I love it. She puts mandarin oranges and pineapple w/ coconut and whip cream & vanilla pudding mix and the noodles. I love that salad I could eat it for days.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some refreshing salad recipes for a BBQ?

Some refreshing salad recipes for a BBQ include a classic cucumber and tomato salad, a zesty corn and black bean salad, a light watermelon and feta salad, and a crunchy coleslaw. These salads are not only easy to prepare but also complement grilled meats perfectly.

How can I make a salad that can be prepared in advance for a BBQ?

To make a salad that can be prepared in advance, consider using sturdy ingredients like kale, quinoa, or pasta. You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

What are some unique salad ingredients to try at a BBQ?

Unique salad ingredients to try at a BBQ include roasted beets, grilled peaches, avocado, nuts (like pecans or walnuts), and various cheeses (such as goat cheese or blue cheese). These ingredients can add interesting flavors and textures to your salads.

How can I make a salad that appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters at a BBQ?

To create a salad that appeals to both vegetarians and meat-eaters, consider a mixed greens salad topped with grilled vegetables, nuts, and a protein option on the side, such as grilled chicken or shrimp. This way, everyone can customize their salad according to their preferences.

What dressings pair well with BBQ salads?

Dressings that pair well with BBQ salads include a tangy vinaigrette, creamy ranch, zesty lime dressing, or a honey mustard dressing. These dressings enhance the flavors of the fresh ingredients and complement the smoky taste of grilled foods.

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