Summer-Day Salad Bowl

Summer-Day Salad Bowl Recipe with Rice, Ham, Chicken, and Tropical Fruits

| Servings: 6

Introduction

Summer-Day Salad Bowl is a refreshing and satisfying dish that is perfect for a hot summer day. This salad is packed with a variety of flavors and textures, making it a delicious and nutritious meal option.

History

The Summer-Day Salad Bowl recipe has been passed down through generations in many families. It is a popular dish that is often served at picnics, barbecues, and other outdoor gatherings during the summer months. The combination of ingredients in this salad creates a unique and flavorful dish that is loved by many.

Ingredients

3 cups of cooked cold rice
1 cup of cooked ham, cut into 0.5 inch cubes
1 cup of cooked chicken, cut into 0.5 inch cubes
0.5 cup of celery, cut into 0.25 inch pieces
2 pimentos (canned), cut into 0.25 inch pieces
1 cup of pineapple or melon or both
2 tbsp of shredded coconut
2 tbsp of chopped peanuts
1 tsp of salt
1 cup of mayonnaise
3 tbsp of frozen orange juice concentrate, undiluted
1 to 2 heads of lettuce
1 tsp of chopped peanuts
watercress or parsley sprigs

How to prepare

In a 2 qt (1.89 liter) bowl, combine cooked cold rice, cubed ham, cubed chicken, celery, pimentos, pineapple or melon or both, shredded coconut, chopped peanuts, and salt.
Blend mayonnaise with orange juice concentrate.
Combine the orange mayonnaise with the mixture.
Line wooden salad bowls with lettuce. Divide the mixture among the bowls.
Garnish the top of the salad with 1 to 2 tbsp of orange mayonnaise.
Sprinkle chopped peanuts on the mayonnaise.
Decorate with watercress or parsley sprigs.

Variations

Add diced apples or grapes for a sweeter flavor.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
Substitute the ham and chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option.
Add cooked shrimp or crab meat for a seafood twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the rice and meats ahead of time and allow them to cool completely before assembling the salad.

- You can customize this salad by adding your favorite fruits or vegetables, such as grapes, apples, or bell peppers.

- For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or a light mayonnaise in place of the regular mayonnaise.

- To add an extra crunch, consider adding some toasted nuts or seeds to the salad.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Summer-Day Salad Bowl as a main dish for lunch or dinner. You can also serve it as a side dish alongside grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the rice according to package instructions and allow it to cool completely before using it in the salad.

- Cut the ham and chicken into uniform cubes to ensure even distribution of flavors.

- Mix the mayonnaise and orange juice concentrate together before adding it to the salad for a smooth and creamy dressing.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of cooked rice for this recipe, such as white rice, brown rice, or wild rice.

- Feel free to use any type of cooked meat in place of the ham and chicken, such as turkey, beef, or pork.

- If you don't have pimentos, you can use roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes instead.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Summer-Day Salad Bowl ahead of time by cooking the rice and meats in advance and storing them in the refrigerator until ready to assemble the salad. The dressing can also be made ahead of time and stored separately.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Summer-Day Salad Bowl in individual wooden salad bowls lined with lettuce for a beautiful presentation. Garnish each bowl with a dollop of orange mayonnaise, chopped peanuts, and a sprig of parsley or watercress for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or tofu. You can also serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a side of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the salad for a few minutes until warmed through, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of the Summer-Day Salad Bowl contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used.

Carbohydrates

The Summer-Day Salad Bowl is a carbohydrate-rich dish due to the inclusion of rice, fruits, and vegetables. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Fats

This salad contains fats from the mayonnaise, coconut, and peanuts. While fats are higher in calories, they are essential for overall health and can help with the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals.

Proteins

The Summer-Day Salad Bowl is a good source of protein from the ham and chicken. Protein is important for muscle growth and repair, as well as for overall health and wellbeing.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals from the fruits, vegetables, and nuts. It contains vitamin C from the orange juice concentrate, vitamin A from the pimentos, and various minerals from the nuts and vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (peanuts) and mayonnaise, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any food allergies before serving this dish.

Summary

Overall, the Summer-Day Salad Bowl is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It is a nutritious and delicious option for a summer meal.

Summary

The Summer-Day Salad Bowl is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a hot summer day. Packed with a variety of flavors and textures, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next outdoor gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I flipped through an old cookbook that belonged to my mother. The pages were yellowed and worn, but the recipes within were like hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.

As I turned the pages, my eyes landed on a recipe for a Summer-Day Salad Bowl. The name alone conjured up images of crisp, fresh vegetables and bright, tangy dressings, a perfect dish for a hot summer day. I read through the list of ingredients - lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, and a homemade vinaigrette - and knew instantly that I had to make it.

I had always loved cooking, ever since I was a young girl helping my mother in the kitchen. She would let me stir pots on the stove, chop vegetables, and taste-test whatever she was making. I learned so much from her, absorbing her knowledge like a sponge. But this recipe was something new, something I had never tried before.

I gathered the ingredients from the fridge and pantry, carefully washing and chopping each vegetable with precision. I could feel the excitement building inside me as I mixed together the vinaigrette, the tangy aroma filling the air. Finally, I tossed everything together in a large bowl, the colors vibrant and enticing.

As I took my first bite of the Summer-Day Salad Bowl, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures. The crispness of the lettuce, the juiciness of the tomatoes, the crunch of the cucumbers - it was a symphony of taste in my mouth. The vinaigrette tied everything together, tangy and refreshing.

I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my cooking repertoire. Over the years, I perfected it, tweaking the ingredients and proportions to suit my taste. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and picnics, always receiving compliments and requests for the recipe.

But it wasn't until I met Mrs. Jenkins, an elderly neighbor who had lived in the neighborhood for decades, that I truly understood the history behind the Summer-Day Salad Bowl. Mrs. Jenkins was a renowned cook in the community, known for her delicious dishes and generous spirit.

One day, as we chatted over the fence, Mrs. Jenkins mentioned that she had a recipe for a summer salad that had been passed down through generations of her family. Intrigued, I asked her if she would be willing to share it with me. With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed.

We spent the afternoon in her kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scents of herbs and spices. Mrs. Jenkins showed me how to prepare the salad, sharing tips and tricks that had been handed down to her. As we ate the finished dish together, she told me the story behind the recipe.

It turns out that the Summer-Day Salad Bowl had been a favorite of her grandmother, who had immigrated to the United States from Italy. The recipe had been brought over from the old country, a simple yet flavorful dish that reminded her of home. Over the years, Mrs. Jenkins had made it her own, adding her own twists and variations.

I was touched by the story and honored to have been entrusted with such a precious recipe. I made a promise to Mrs. Jenkins that I would continue to carry on the tradition, passing it down to future generations just as she had done.

And so, every summer, I make the Summer-Day Salad Bowl, thinking of Mrs. Jenkins and her grandmother. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past, to bring people together in a shared experience of flavors and memories.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of the salad on a warm summer day, I am filled with gratitude for all the lessons I have learned and the people who have shared their knowledge with me. Cooking is not just about following a recipe - it is about creating something special, something that brings joy and nourishment to those we love.

And so, as I savor each bite of the Summer-Day Salad Bowl, I am reminded of the rich tapestry of life, woven together with food and stories and love. It is a dish that will always hold a special place in my heart, a testament to the enduring power of tradition and connection.