Best No-Cook Fall Recipes

Fall is quickly approaching which means the end of summer fruits and vegetables and you may think it is the end of summer grilling and easy summer meals. It is the end of a season but this does not mean the end of light and easy to prepare dishes that don't even require a pan. Fall is a time when we start to crave comfort food meals like stews, chilies, and rich pasta dishes as the weather cools. Incorporating fresh raw fall fruits and veggies into healthy fall salads is a refreshing change for the palate and takes advantage of the bounty of the fall harvest. The farmer's markets and super markets will be overflowing with delicious fall produce from which to choose. Many of the fall produce lend themselves nicely to fast easy and no-cook recipes that are healthy and delicious. The following are an example of some fresh no-cook ideas to add to your fall menu.

Apple, Avocado, Walnut Salad

This is the perfect fall salad as the apples come in to season and are at their peak of flavor and nutrition. This dish would be great served along side grilled pork chops, pork loin or pork roasts for a fall dinner. This would also be good served as a side with a sandwich for lunch.

4 apples cored and chopped into ½ inch size chunks

2 avocado ripe but firm and finely chopped

¾ C walnuts coarsely chopped

2-3 T cilantro chopped (use more or less to your taste)

3-4 T unfiltered Honey

3-4 T fresh lime juice

Cayenne, cumin and salt to taste

Mix apples, avocado and walnuts in a serving bowl. Stir honey lime juice and spices in a small bowl until thoroughly mixed. Add dressing to the apple mixture and stir gently. Sprinkle cilantro on top and gently toss to mix. Serves 4-6 as a side dish

Romaine and Pear Salad w/Orange Vinaigrette

Beautiful red pears are used in this salad against the backdrop of fresh green Romaine. The colors are beautiful and the taste superb. This dish will be good with any grilled, roasted or sautéed meat dish, poultry or fish or a creamy pasta dish. This would complement a spicy or bold flavored entrée as it is light and tangy. Serve with hearty whole grain bread. Serves 4-6 as side dish

16 oz. fresh baby romaine (could use other greens, baby spinach, etc)

1 red pear chopped and sprinkled with orange juice

1 C green or red grapes cut in half length wise

½ C sliced almonds (toasted or raw)

Fresh mozzarella crumbled or shredded mozzarella

¼ C each fresh basil and fresh Italian parsley

Orange Vinaigrette

3 T fresh squeezed orange juice

2 T white wine vinegar or to taste

¼ C extra virgin olive oil

1-2 cloves of garlic finely chopped

Salt and Pepper

Combine ingredients for the vinaigrette in small bowl and whisk until well mixed. Taste and adjust to suit.

Tip: dressing can be mixed in blender to emulsify to keep from separating if you prefer

Place romaine in serving bowl, top with pear, grapes, and fresh herbs. Drizzle part of salad dressing over salad and toss lightly. Taste and toss again lightly with a little more dressing if needed. Top with nuts and cheese.

Cauliflower Crunch Salad

White crunchy cauliflower mixed with colorful and flavorful corn, tomatoes, peppers and olives makes a great tasting and healthy side dish. The marinated flavors come together in a delicious and unique way. This would be a great side dish at a potluck or your family dinner. This could also be served as topping for bruschetta as an appetizer or hors d'oeuvres. Serves 4-6 as side dish

1 medium head cauliflower, small chopped

1 can corn drained

2 tomatoes chopped

2 green onions thin sliced cross wise

Red and/or yellow bell pepper thin slices

½ C black olives sliced

Balsamic Vinaigrette

¼ C balsamic vinegar or more to taste

¼ C extra virgin olive oil

1-2 cloves garlic finely chopped

Salt and Pepper to taste

Combine ingredients for the vinaigrette in small bowl and whisk until well mixed. Taste and adjust to suit.

Place the cauliflower, then the corn, bell pepper slices, onions, tomatoes and olives in bowl and toss together. Drizzle with dressing and toss again. Refrigerate covered for 20-30 minutes to marinate flavors together. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Fall Fruit and Cheese Platter

The fresh fall selection of apples, pears, and grapes served with a good cheeses and hearty bread make a great quick meal or even a delicious spread for a get together. Add olives, pickles, crudités (whole or sliced vegetables served as an appetizer), deli sliced meats, a good bottle of wine and you have the makings of a feast.

Arrange the sliced fruits, cheeses and bread on large platter or platters. Select cheeses and fruits that complement each other, such as crisp apple and sharp cheddar.

The following link offers a produce guide for each season. Enjoy the season and experiment with other combinations that can be added to your fall meals using fresh no-cook ideas. Making use of fresh fruits and veggies eaten in season at the peak of their nutrition is a great way to assure good health, variety and great flavor to your fall meals. Eating foods in season is not only good for you, but also good for your budget, as produce that is most abundant is also the best priced.

http://www.foodnetwork.com/food/ck_cg_produce_guide