Garden Party Salad Recipes

Steps:

• Tear lettuce into bite sized pieces and wash and dry thoroughly. Place in large salad bowl (wider than it is deep). Top with prepared vegetables.
• Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cheese. Go lightly until you learn how much is "to taste" for you.
• Pour oil over salad, then vinegar. It is important that the oil be first. Quantity requires a bit of practice - go light on the vinegar at first. You can add more if needed. Aim to coat the top layer of vegetables. Toss until well mixed. Taste - add vinegar or oil if needed, and toss again. Do not add dry ingredients (see below). Serve immediately.
• Note: Your first couple salads may not be perfect. If you find that you didn't add enough salt or pepper, let diners add more as served - you can't get it well dispersed if you add to the salad bowl after the oil and vinegar have been added If you find that you added too much vinegar, a little salt can counteract - again, add as served.

Steps:

• Cook pasta as directed on package, adding broccoli and carrots during last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain; rinse with cold water to cool. Drain well.
• Meanwhile, in large bowl, place turkey, bell peppers, onion and cheese.
• Gently stir cooked cooled pasta with broccoli and carrots into turkey mixture. Pour dressing over salad and add chives; toss gently to coat. If desired, garnish with additional chives.

Steps:

• Combine all the dressing ingredients and 1 to 2 tablespoons water in a blender or food processor; puree until smooth.
• Place the salad blend in a large bowl and top with the remaining salad ingredients. Drizzle with the dressing.
• Photography by Kate Sears