Appetizer / salad / side dish recipes, please!

[Worknprogress]

Having a big party on Saturday. I always make the same stuff over and over and am looking for some new ideas.

Now I know this is a fitness site but when I have parties, I do not make healthy food!! So I am looking for good old-fashioned yummy food recipes. I don't care what the calorie, fat, etc. count is and neither do my guests.

It is an afternoon into the evening party with families having kids ranging from 3 to 21!

Thanks in advance for any ideas!

 

[RapidBreath]

Jicama slaw where you use jicama and shredd it like it was carrots mix it with shredded carrot and raisins and some mayo for a yummy side dish that is crunchy. You can add some canned pineapple too.

 

[hriacobacci]

Here are 2 dips. Spinach Artichoke Dip is always a winner. You can make this one with light mayo. I often mix it up the night before then all you have to do is stick it in the oven.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:
1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 1quart-baking dish.

In a medium bowl, mix together artichoke hearts, spinach, mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese and 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese. Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish, and sprinkle with remaining ½ cup of Monterey Jack cheese.

Bake in the center of the preheated oven until the cheese is melted, about 15 minutes.


Monterey Jack Salsa

Ingredients:
1 4 oz can green chilies
1 4 oz can chopped black olives
4 – 5 green onions diced
1 regular or 2 Roma tomatoes diced
½ cup Wishbone Italian dressing
¼ cup fresh cilantro
½ lb shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:
Mix ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

[upnorthchick]

I like making this for a fresh and "looks like you spent time on it" appetizer:

Mozzarella, Tomato, & Basil Skewers

20 Bamboo Skewers

Marinade:
1/4 c. Olive Oil
1/2 c. balsamic vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

20 grape tomatoes (cherry tomatoes can be substituted)
20 fresh basil leaves
20 mini buffalo mozzarella balls (also called bocconcini)

Prepare marinade in bowl. Place the mini mozzarella balls in marinade and let sit for 30 minutes.

Remove mozzarella balls from marinade. Save the marinade. Assemble skewers: mozzarella ball, basil leaf, tomato. After the skewers are assemble, lightly drizzle some of the remaining marinade over the skewers.

Enjoy!

 

[gettingfitmom]

Here is an easy hot onion dip recipe: 2 cups each chopped vadalia onions, mayo, swiss cheese(shredded works best) mix together and put in a pie plate, bake 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly around edges and slightly brown on top. Serve hot w/ crakers. YUM

 

[gettingfitmom]

thought of another easy one, real simple: topr Ritz crackers w/ alittle lite mayo, sprinkle w/ lemon pepper seasoning andtop w/a slice of cucumber. another YUM

 

[jthornton202264]

Here's an easy and very good recipe -- I take this to get-togethers all the time and everyone loves it!

Italian Pasta Salad
2 cups cooked macaroni
1 cup Italian dressing (more or less according to your taste)
1 cup creamy Caesar dressing (more or less according to your taste)
3/4 cup chopped red onion
1 or 2 avocadoes, cut up (optional)

Just mix all together. The recipe I have calls for 1 cup of each of the dressings, but I just put enough to make it creamy, but not to liquidy. The recipe didn't call for avocadoes -- my husband loves avocadoes in any pasta salad I make. They are a great addition! Enjoy!

 

[Worknprogress]

Got some great stuff here ladies and I'm printin' away! Thanks!