The Top Four Salad Recipes

This is not what people usually think of when you say the words "fruit salad", yet it is a delicious spin on the term. Tis reminds me of family gatherings from the time I was a little girl until the present day! One word of warning: Do not expect leftovers...

1 (11 oz) can mandarin oranges
1 (8 oz) can crushed pineapple, drained
3 bananas, sliced
2 c flaked coconut
2 c miniature marshmallows
1 c pecan pieces
1 (16 oz) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 c maraschino cherries

In a large bowl, combine mandarin oranges, crushed pineapple, bananas, coconut, marshmallows, and pecan pieces. Fold in whipped topping. Garnish with maraschino cherries. Chill for 1 hour or overnight.

Salade nicoise

Enjoy this wonderful French salad as prepared below, or feel free to add-in your favorite summer veggies like asparagus, broccoli or avocado...the sky's the limit!

1/2 lb new potatoes, quartered
1/4 c chopped fresh parsley
1/4 c pitted nicoise (or standard black) olives
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
1 (6 oz) can tuna
1/3 lb fresh green beans - rinsed, trimmed and blanched
1/2 lb mixed salad greens
1 c lemon vinaigrette
3 hard-cooked eggs, quartered
3 roma (plum) tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 tbsp capers
4 anchovy filets

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes, and cook until tender but still firm, about 15 minutes. Drain and cool.

In a large bowl, combine the potatoes, parsley, olives, onion, tuna and green beans. Refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.

In large bowl, toss greens with vinaigrette and top with chilled potato mixture. Garnish with eggs, tomatoes, capers and anchovies.

Greek salad

Skip the lettuce in this traditional and refreashing Greek salad!

5 cucumbers, sliced
5 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped
1/2 red onion, chopped
1 (4 oz) package feta cheese, crumbled
1 (2.25 oz) can pitted green olives, chopped
1/4 c red wine vinegar

In a large bowl, toss together cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and green olives. Sprinkle with red wine vinegar. Refrigerate until serving. Enjoy!

Lobster salad

This salad is just unreal! It's a perfect meal for a hot summer day, and the combination of flavors is incredible. Just be careful - you'll find yourself craving it constantly! It's just so yummy!

2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 cups cooked lobster meat, diced
1 teaspoon seafood seasoning
1 tomato, diced
1/2 avocado, diced
2 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add lobster, and gently reheat until hot. Season with seafood seasoning, then transfer to a serving dish.

Toss with tomato, avocado, and lettuce. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Enjoy!