Summertime is almost upon us and many of us are anxiously waiting for the weather to warm up so we can plan our annual camping trips. When you camp, one activity that you probably enjoy is mealtime. There are many things you can enjoy while camping, including hamburgers or hot dogs grilled over a campfire, foil packages filled with delicious meats and vegetables or light summer salads to help cool you down on those hot, muggy evenings. Continue reading to learn two different light summer salads that are perfect for camping.
– Strawberry Jello Salad
1 can (15-ounces) crushed pineapple in its own juice
1 packet (4-ounces) strawberry Jello
1 tub (8-ounces) Cool Whip
1 container (16-ounces) cottage cheese
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
Place the pineapple in a colander and allow to drain until all liquid is gone.
In a large bowl, combine jello and cottage cheese together. Once this is incorporated, gently fold in the cool whip, pineapple and walnuts until mixed thoroughly. Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
* Tip: For an easy to manage side dish or dessert, place the strawberry jello salad in individual covered containers and keep in your cooler until ready to serve.
– Summertime Pasta Salad
1 (16-ounce) package of fusilli (spiral-shaped) pasta
1 cup fresh broccoli florets
1/4 pound cubed salami or pepperoni
1/4 pound cubed cheese (Provolone, Colby-Jack or Cheddar)
1/4 cup sliced black olives
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 (16-ounce) bottle of Italian dressing
Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and cool.
In a large bowl, combine the pasta, broccoli, black olives, cubed cheese and salami together and stir to mix well. Then, add Italian dressing and mix to coat all ingredients. Finally, sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the pasta salad and mix thoroughly.
Both of these side dishes can be made ahead of time and are simple to make. Enjoy one of these cooling salads on your next camping trip.
