Fun Pasta And Fruit Salad Recipes For Spring

When was the last time you tested your taste buds on some brand new salad recipes? Spring is just a few short weeks away and that means family fun barbeques in our backyards, parks, and other enjoyable cookout get-togethers . Everyone will soon be searching for the perfect side dishes for these spring activities. What goes well with barbecued burgers or chicken? Maybe some variations of pasta salads or perhaps some zesty fruit salads? Sounds perfect to me. There are endless fun things you can do with pasta and fruit.

It's fun to experiment with different recipes. I can't think of a better time to do this now that spring is upon us. And summer will soon follow...a time when our grills are re-kindled and our patio furniture comes out of hiding. It's also a time to spice things up by trying some fresh, crisp treats. The possibilities are virtually endless with combining these delectable dishes.
You can always substitute for more of a variety.

Some Tasty Salad Recipes For Spring

Strawberry Zucchini Salad

Ingredients

1 pint sliced strawberries
10 ounces fresh zucchini sliced and cut into fourths
1 small red onion thinly sliced
2 oz slivered almonds

Depending on your needs, use more or less of the ingredients above.

Salad Topping

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
1/4 cup worcheshire sauce
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 tsp poppy seed
1/4 tsp paprika

Directions

Toss salad ingredients in a bowl. Mix the salad topping and pour over salad ingredients.
Refrigerate until serving.

Pineapple Cranberry Jello Salad

Ingredients

1 bag fresh cranberries
1 16 oz.
can crushed pineapple
2 3 oz.boxes raspberry jello
2 cups boiling water
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 cup nuts (optional)

Directions

Dissolve jello in boiling water. Add sugar. Mix in the cranberries and pineapple.
Mix in the nuts (if using nuts). Refrigerate overnight.

This makes a very large serving, so you may only want to make half.

Pasta Broccoli Salad With Carrots

Ingredients

10 ounces bow tie pasta, uncooked
1 cup small broccoli florets
1/3 cup baby carrots
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 cup italian dressing

Directions

Cook pasta until tender. In the middle of cooking the pasta, add the vegetables and cook until softened. Drain and add remaining ingredients. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese. Add italian dressing, mixing well. Refrigerate for two hours then serve.

You can always combine the pasta and fruits together for some more great tasting salads. There are no rules for these types of culinary treats. Have fun, be creative, and mix.

Some Fun And Quick Ideas For Fruits

Scoop out a watermelon or cantelope and use it as a bowl to fill with bright, colorful fruit salad

Fruit kabobs is always a crowd pleaser. Place various pieces of fruit on wooden skewers or popsicle sticks. For this you can use various flavors of yogurt for a dip

Drop pieces of fruit in a blender with some ice cubes and some yogurt and make fruit smoothies

Instead of pouring syrup over waffles, french toast, or pancakes, try some fresh fruit on top

Substitute these ingredients to your liking for color, taste, and your entertaining needs.

And happy spring!