Mama Has Some Great Salad Recipes

There's nothing quite like a cool salad on a hot summer day and Mama has some great salad recipes that you're sure to enjoy.

First though, let me give you some tips for making and keeping your salads safe and fresh.

For Molded Fruit Salads

** When salad in a mold, spray the inside of the mold with cooking spray before filling.

** To remove from the mold, put the bottom of the mold into hot water for a few seconds. Put a large plate over the top of the mold and flip over. Lift the mold off.

For Potato Salad Recipes

** Use New or all-purpose potatoes for potato salad. They will stay firm after they are cooked.

** Put the potato salad together while the potatoes are still hot that way they will absorb more of the flavor of the dressing.

For Pasta Salad Recipes

** Cook pasta for salads very al dente (firm to the bite). The pasta will absorb some of the dressing without becoming mushy.

** To dry your pasta, pour the drained pasta into a large paper towel-lined pan and roll it around. Or, if you have one, you can use a salad spinner, just be careful not to spin it too fast.

For Green Salads

** To clean iceberg lettuce, remove the outer leaves and slam the core down on a hard surface. Remove the core by twisting it out. Run cold water into core area to flush out the dirt. Turn lettuce over, shake out the water, and separate the leaves.

** After washing your lettuce, store it in the refrigerator wrapped in damp paper towels t help it stay crisp and fresh longer.

** Don't add the tomatoes to your salad bowl. Serve them separate. The tomatoes will wilt your salad if stored together.

Make your own Croutons

** Season some olive oil with garlic, Parmesan cheese, or a dry ranch dressing mix. Brush on sliced bread. Cut the bread into squares and spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake at 375-degrees F. for 10-15 minutes.

For all your salads

** If you chill the serving plates, your salad will stay crisp longer.

** Fruit juices like pineapple, orange or mango can be used as salad dressing by adding a little vegetable oil, a dash of nutmeg and/or honey. Great for fruit, seafood, or green salads.

I hope you enjoy these great salad recipes:

Southern Potato Salad

Cole Slaw

Deviled Eggs

Chicken Salad

Cucumber Salad with Onion and Tomatoes

Strawberry Banana Salad

Fruit Tray With Dip

Macaroni Salad

Chicken Salad

Broccoli Salad with Pasta

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