Wednesday, May 29, 2013

THE MOTHER OF ALL SUMMER SALADS AND THE BEST SALAD TIP EVER!

I was sitting here last week reading a post about how it is National Strawberry Month and realized that not only do I have a great recipe that involves strawberries, but it just happens to be the "mother of all summer salads".  I should probably not be keeping this to myself any longer.  Seriously...check it out!  It looks (and tastes) like a dessert!  It's the only salad I know of that is really good, even without the dressing! Bonus...you can make this a day ahead of time too!
When my sister Amber gave me this recipe she said, "Guys and kids LOVE this salad, Danni!"  Then she told me the best salad tip I've ever received. I'm going to share that with you too in just a minute and you will not want to miss it because it's one of those tips that makes you say, "Duh!  Makes perfect sense!"  
But first, let's look at that amazingly easy coconut dressing, shall we?
It's only three ingredients and so very tasty!
 Pretty simple right?  Keeps forever in the fridge too, but you'll need to bring it to room temp before you use it because that cream of coconut gets thick when it's cold.  You can microwave it for 15 seconds at 50% power to thin it out if you're in a hurry.

Now....let's break down that salad and look at all the goodness that is involved.
What's not to love, right?  I didn't put quantities because it really doesn't matter.  Put as much or as little of any of these ingredients as you like!  (I've also added blueberries, when I have them.)
And now, I'm going to share my sister's awesome salad tip with you.....are you ready??
SERVE YOUR SALADS IN A 13X9 DISH!  Seriously, it looks gorgeous, because you can see all of the ingredients better, AND, everyone gets a little bit of everything, because the good stuff doesn't fall to the bottom of a bowl.  It's also easier to travel with if you are taking it somewhere.  If you have a lid for your 13X9, then it fits perfectly in the bottom of a cooler and you can stack stuff on top of it.  Is that brilliant or what?  Take a look at this salad when it's all stretched out in an oblong dish....
 
When you put your lettuce in the bottom and everything else is sprinkled on top, you don't need to toss it.  You can dress this right before you serve it.  I have been known to sprinkle toasted coconut on right after I dress it.
This is my summer "go-to" salad for picnics and barbeques.  Like I said...it looks and tastes like dessert!  Don't you just want a bite right now?

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39 comments:

  1. Oh, it looks delicious Danni. I'm still eating salads and I'm definitely trying that dressing. No strawberries here at the moment, they're out of season (unless you want to pay an arm and a leg).

    Anne xx

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  2. YES!!! I would love a bowl right now. I am pinning this. It will go great with our pasture raised chicken we intend to throw on the grill this weekend. Thanks for sharing Danni.
    ANd I do love the tip on the 9x13 dish.

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  3. That looks fantastic Danni - pinning this - and maybe making it for my daughters shower!
    XOX
    hmmm - do I pin it under desserts - or meals lol

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  4. Did you hear the slap against my forehead? ..lol! Flat and oblong makes perfect sense ;-) Pinned the recipe to make soon!

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  5. Yum, yum yum, that's a brilliant way to serve salad I bet it oesnt go soggy as quick either

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  6. Just when I was getting bored with salads! Thanks for another bit of inspiration.

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  7. Oh my goodness! That looks and sounds amazing. I'm having some friends over next week and will definitely have this salad on the menu! I also love the tip about the 13 x 9 dish. Definitely pinning!

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  8. Yummers! Looks Asian and tropical and refreshing! Thanks for revealing secrets.

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  9. Yes I do want a bite. Better than the bag of Cheetos I'm eating right now!!!

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  10. No, I don't want a bite!
    I want the whole thing!
    Will definitely try this, Danni.

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  11. Thanks Danni for sharing this awesome recipe! I'm pinning this and will be trying it out on some friends that will be visiting soon. I'm sure it won't disappoint! And what a wonderful idea to present it in a rectangular container. Makes a whole lot of sense to do it that way.

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  12. Well, DUH an oblong dish would be so much better! That recipe look wonderful! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

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  13. Nommy nom noms...I've never even heard of cream of coconut! Must...try...this...!!

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  14. Not only does that salad look delicious, it also looks beautiful!

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  15. That looks gorgeous! I don't know if I've ever seen "cream of coconut" though. It's different from coconut milk?

    I've got to use my eagle-eye in the grcoery store - I want to make this dressing.

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  16. Yummy Danni - this salad sounds amazing!!!!

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  17. Fathers Day 2013, the debut of your salad, at my house, served in a 9x13 pan. Yes.

    Bliss

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  18. Wow, this looks so delicious!!! I have to pin this and try it as soon as the strawberries are ripe. Thanks for the tip, too, Danni. Great idea for travel.
    (I've been offline for a while, just trying to get back in the groove.)
    Debbie :)

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  19. That salad looks scrumptious! Coconut dressing? Yummmm!!

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  20. This looks yummy! Love the tip, too! I'll definitely give this a try!~~Angela

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  21. YUMMO! I LOVE coconut...mmmmmmmm! When should I be over with my spoon?

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  22. Why on earth didn't any of us realize that? That is brilliant! The salad looks delicious :)

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  23. Yes. Yes I do. :) I think that's a great tip. Tell your sister she's a genius!

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  24. I am pinning this recipe to be the first thing I make when I can chomp on salad again. It sounds so delicious. The tip about the flat dish is so creative. This is definitely now on my make and take list.

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  25. Great tip, I may use that in my post (with a link back of course!) Can't wait to try this salad!

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  26. This sounds wonderful, not to mention how pretty it is. I love your salad tip too. Thanks.

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  27. Looks good.. I'm very interested in that dressing too.. I have to try it now :)

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  28. This one is a pinner for sure! I'm definitely going to try it and it never occurred to me that salad can be served in something other than a bowl. Duh!

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  29. Have I told you lately that you're brilliant? That looks SO good! I have never had a coconut dressing but I can imagine that it's delicious on fruit! I'm trying this for my next cookout!

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  30. Mmmm, Pinlicious!! I love coconut and your dressing even meets my under 5 ingredients limit. Oh, how it makes perfect sense to serve in a 13 x 9, move over Julia and you too, Martha!! ~ Amy

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  31. This sounds amazing! So much yummy healthy goodness in one salad!
    Giving this a try.
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  32. just this morning i saw the first strawberries in the shop. still a bit pricey but will get cheaper soon, and then i will try that! looks soooo delicious! and love you pics

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  33. This looks so good. I love salads with fruit. I am definitely pinning this one. Thanks for sharing Danni!!

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  34. Sounds so good! I love new salad recipes. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. I love the idea of using a rectangular pan too. I am definitely pinning for summer use. Thanks!

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  35. HOLY yumminess, Danni! And what a great tip for the 13x9 baking dish - makes total sense. That dressing looks so good! Can't wait to share this one with family and friends! Pinning and making! nummm nummm nummm!

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  36. Danni, just saw this recipe again and I'm drooling all over myself! MMMMMM

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  37. Oooh, I think I'll be making this for the party tomorrow - Happy Fourth Danni, have a great time in Tennessee!!

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