Memorial Day Menu Ideas: Summer Salads

Memorial Day is one of the most anticipated holidays of the year. Each year it falls on the last Monday in May. While honoring the service and sacrifice of our military, Memorial Day is the gateway to summer fun. It is the first three day weekend of the season that is celebrated with backyard barbeques, The Indy 500, beach going and all around good times. So fly that American flag. Clean the grill. Most importantly, get that Memorial Day menu started with these tasty summer salad side dishes.

Kid Friendly Memorial Day Macaroni Salad

1 lb. salad macaroni, any shape
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
½ cup shredded carrots

Cook macaroni according to instructions on box. Rinse with cold water to cool. Add all other ingredients listed. Mix well. Refrigerate for a few hours. Kids will eat this macaroni salad, there are no chunks of onion or celery, although you can add them if you wish.

Tortellini Pesto Salad

2 9oz. Packages of Buitoni Three Cheese Tortellini (found in the refrigerated section at any grocery store)
2 cups fresh basil
1tablespoon pine nuts or walnuts (optional)
3 large cloves garlic
6 tablespoons olive oil
6 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
salt & pepper to taste

Cook tortellini according to package directions. Rinse with cold water.

For pesto sauce, place basil, nuts, and garlic in blender or food processor and blend on high. Slowly add oil and cheese. Blend until all incorporated. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Add pesto sauce to the cold tortellini and gently stir. Store any unused pesto in ice cube trays for another use, after Memorial Day.

Summer Tomato & Garbanzo Bean Salad

1 can (15oz) garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
4 fresh tomatoes, diced
½ cup mozzarella cheese, cubed
handful fresh basil, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Add the beans, tomatoes and basil in a bowl. Mix oil and balsamic vinegar together, add salt and pepper to taste if desired. Pour the dressing mixture over bean mixture and toss. Serve room temperature for best flavor.

These three salads will please any crowd, from kids to adults. Serve them in festive Memorial Day theme bowls for a great holiday look. Now you just need to decide on hamburgers or ribs for a fantastic Memorial Day barbeque.