Planning July 4 picnic menu

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amanda_pennsylvania

Well-known member
I *almost* have my husband convinced not to go to our community firework extravaganza. Now, don't get me wrong, I love fireworks and being really up close to them. But this year some friends are doing a folk concert in a nearby town and I really want to go hear them (as do my in-laws, so Andy's pretty much outvoted on this). After the concert, we'll be able to walk up the hill and see the fireworks; we just won't be right underneath them as usual.

Anyhoo, so I'm planning the menu for our picnic. I'm going to make Jane Brody's chicken, Pomegranate Baked Beans, brownies, and sliced watermelon. I feel like I need something salad-y though. Something interesting with some texture. Any thoughts?

 
Since it is summer and there are so many colorful and different varieties of tomatoes

how about a beautiful tomato salad using the many colors, sizes and shapes. Add some cukes that are also very good now, plus colorful lettuce from the Farmer's Market. Dress simply with a fresh lemon vinaigrette and garnish with purple and green basil chiffonade. You could even add fresh asparagus which may be in season in your area (ours is just on the way out)
using white and even purple asparagus...what a colorful salad that would be!

 
Citrus Green Bean Salad in T&T #41, Carrot, Orange, and Radish Salad,

Curried Couscous Salad with Dried Cranberries in T&T #43.

 
how about a farro salad?

With lots of chopped cukes, green peppers, flat leaf parsley, tomatoes, minced sweet onion, and whatever else you like. Dress with lemon juice or red wine vinegar and EVOO. My brother calls it "confetti salad" .

 
Unfortunately my life will be on hold on this 4th of July

it turns out there will be a World Cup soccer game between Brazil and Colombia. Whoever loses is out.

I will not be able to go to any 4th of July parties, host any 4th of July parties think of any 4th of July parties

Life shall go back to normal once this competition is over.

(sigh)

 
I make a Southwestern bean salad that is a little red, white

and blue. Black beans, chopped tomatoes, white corn, a little celery, red bell pepper, onions, cilantro with a very slightly sweet cumin/lime vinaigrette. If you like spicy you could put in some jalapeno also.

 
Thanks, everyone. Great ideas here.

I also have beets, so perhaps I'll cook them up. My FIL and I are the only ones that like them, but that means more for us!

 
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