I can't imagine summer time meals without Italian dressing. I love salads and many types of dressing but I have found that Italian dressing has many uses beyond that of a salad dressing. Each year I experiment with more ways to use Italian dressing and each year I am pleasantly surprised with my discoveries. Summer means grilling, picnics, lunch outdoors, and evening meals on the deck or patio. Fantastic recipes can be created for summer menus using Italian dressing.
A starter list for ways to use Italian Dressing
- Grilled chicken breasts can be taken to a higher level of deliciousness when they are marinated for several hours in Italian Dressing.
- Marinate thinly sliced onions, tomatoes, and tender broccoli in Italian Dressing and serve as a cold salad. You can sprinkle finely shredded cheese over the salad at serving time if you desire.
- Create a simple pasta salad using noodles, ham, green peas, and Italian dressing. Cook noodles and drain. Put one package of frozen peas in a bowl. Pour hot noodles over peas. Add small chunks of ham. Pour 1 cup of Italian dressing over mixture and refrigerate several hours or overnight before serving. (You can use various types of meat to create a variety of different salads throughout the summer.)
- Slice a loaf of French bread in half lengthwise. Drizzle Italian dressing on bread. Top with thinly sliced tomatoes and Mozzarella cheese. Toast just until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh basil.
- Italian dressing gives a squash salad a distinctive twist.
- Marinate cucumber slices or sweet pepper strips in Italian dressing for a unique flavorful side dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with ideas that might at first seem a little unusual. You might make some delicious discoveries that you will want to add to your permanent recipe file. And of course don't forget to enjoy Italian dressing on all of your green summer salads. There are numerous varieties of Italian dressing on the market. Try a new variety. You can easily create wonderful, “limited cooking” meals and side dishes for summer time enjoyment.
