Warm Italian Sausage, Potato and Arugula Salad
Avocado Salad in Lettuce Wraps
Spicy Black Bean Dip
As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, thoughts turn to the great outdoors, picnics, and parties. Summer is the perfect time to make any meal a celebration with fun and informal get-togethers. But before you fire-up the grill, consider these tips to put a new twist on traditional barbecue fare:
Add variety to your favorite foods:
If you serve a dish that has become a classic, try enhancing the recipe. For instance, put some "kick" into your deviled eggs by adding a new spice such as chili powder or red pepper flakes. For dessert, try strawberry flavored-marshmallows instead of regular to create "berry" special s'mores.
Substitute a meatless option:
If you are growing tired of serving the same old burgers and hot dogs, try a meatless option like MorningStar Farms Grillers or Veggie Dogs.
Add sizzle to dessert:
Since the grill is already fired-up, take advantage of the hot coals and create desserts that will tempt your guests' taste buds. For example, put some pineapple on the grill, then serve it topped with vanilla ice cream and coconut flakes for a Caribbean-inspired treat. Or, skewer your favorite fruits and make grilled fruit kabobs.
Try a new side dish:
An interesting new side is a fun and creative way to add flair to your barbecue. This Warm Italian Sausage, Potato and Arugula Salad—made with MorningStar Farms Veggie Italian Sausage—is a unique alternative to traditional potato salad. The Spicy Black Bean Dip can be served instead of guacamole. To take some of the mess out of outdoor eating, try the Avocado Salad in Lettuce Wraps instead of a tossed salad.
For more recipes and fun food ideas, visit www.morningstarfarms.com.
Warm Italian Sausage, Potato and Arugula Salad
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
- 4 teaspoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 3/4 pound small new red potatoes
- 1 package (9 ounces) MorningStar Farms Veggie
- Italian Sausage
- 4 cups torn arugula leaves or baby arugula leaves
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
Preparation
- In small bowl whisk together vinegar, mustard, oil, sugar, garlic and pepper. Set aside.
- Scrub potatoes. Halve potatoes or quarter any large potatoes. Cook, covered in boiling water, for 15 to 18 minutes or until just tender. Drain.
- Meanwhile, cook veggie sausage according to package directions. Cool slightly. Cut into bite-size pieces.
- In large bowl, toss together warm potatoes, warm veggie sausage pieces, arugula and onion. Drizzle with vinegar mixture. Toss just until coated. Serve immediately.
Serves
Yield 6 cups; 4 servings
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Avocado Salad in Lettuce Wraps
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup fat-free mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons lime juice or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 avocado, pitted, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
- 10 cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 6 MorningStar Farms Veggie Bacon Strips
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- 12 small butterhead lettuce leaves or leaf lettuce leaves
Preparation
- Combine mayonnaise, lime juice and chili powder. Stir in avocado, celery, tomatoes, veggie bacon strips and walnuts.
- Spoon scant 1/4 cup salad into center of each lettuce leaf. Wrap leaf around salad. Secure with wooden pick. Serve immediately.
Serves
Yield 12 servings
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
10 minutes
Spicy Black Bean Dip
Ingredients
- 1 package MorningStar Farms Spicy Black Bean Veggie Burgers
- 1 package (16 ounces) light processed cheese product, cubed
- 1 package (8 ounces) Neufchatel cheese, cubed
- 1 jar (16 ounces) medium thick and chunky salsa
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
Preparation
- Chop veggie burgers and place in crock pot.
- Add remaining ingredients except cilantro.
- Cook on low about 3 hours or until hot and thoroughly combined, stirring occasionally.
- Mix in cilantro and serve with hot celery sticks or baked tortilla chips.
Serves
Yield 10 servings
Preparation Time:
10 minutes
Total Time:
3 hours 10 minutes
SOURCE:
MorningStar Farms
