60+ No-Cook Appetizer and Salad Recipes

During summertime in the South, it can get too hot to even think turning your oven or stovetop on. Luckily, hot summer temps don’t have to hold you back from exploring delicious new recipes. These no-cook appetizers and salads showcase the best of summer’s gorgeous produce. Without having to put much work in, you can still show up at the church potluck or neighborhood cookout with the prettiest appetizer or salad in sight. Whether you’re in the mood for an old-school no-cook appetizer like pimiento cheese or crab dip, or you want to branch out with no-cook recipes that will be new to guests like pimiento cheese-stuffed pickled okra and West Indies crab salad, these no-cook recipes have your back for every event. Busy weeknights call for quick, easy dinner recipes, and these no-cook salads fit the bill beautifully. Don’t waste a minute of summer standing by the stovetop. These no-cook appetizer and salad recipes are summertime saviors.

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Barbecue-Peach Summer Rolls

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Barbecue-Peach Summer Rolls

No need to break a sweat assembling all the rolls yourself. Make a small batch to kick-start the party, then offer a platter of the fresh ingredients with the dipping sauce so guests can build their own. Just dip the rice paper sheets in hot water as directed, and wrap with a damp towel to keep them soft. Look for rice paper rounds in the international aisle of large grocery stores or Asian markets.

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Easy Summer Appetizer Board

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Easy Summer Appetizer Board

No Southern appetizer board is complete without spicy-sweet pickled okra. Our new obsession: Wickles Wicked Okra (wicklespickles.com). We also recommend Olli Salumeria salami, slow-cured in Virginia and found in gourmet grocery stores across the South, but you can choose any of your favorite cured meats.

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Watermelon "Steak" Salad

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Watermelon "Steak" Salad

Not your mother's fruit salad. A cold, thick, steak-like slice of ripe watermelon pairs unexpectedly well with salty Cotija cheese and a smoky vinaigrette. Also try it with leftover grilled chicken or beef.

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White Cheddar-Chive Pimiento Cheese

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: White Cheddar-Chive Pimiento Cheese

Here's the secret to nice pimiento-cheese texture: Grate the cheese by hand, half on the large holes of a box grater and half on the small holes. Choose an aged sharp Cheddar cheese for extra bite. Chopped chives and Dijon mustard add piquant punch in place of grated onion.

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BLT Salad with Olive Vinaigrette

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: BLT Salad with Olive Vinaigrette

Ready in 20 Minutes
This rustic salad comes together in no time. Our Kalamata Olive Vinaigrette will be your go-to dressing all summer long.

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Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad

Photo: Oxmoor House

Recipe: Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad

Combine sweet, juicy watermelon chunks with fresh tomato, onion, and a red wine vinaigrette for a salad that is the essence of summer.

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Green Goddess Dipping Sauce

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Green Goddess Dipping Sauce

No need for lots of chopping; let the food processor do all the work in this delicious herb-packed sauce.

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Tomato-Cucumber Bread Salad

Photo: Ralph Anderson

Recipe: Tomato-Cucumber Bread Salad

If you'd like to assemble the salad ahead of time, reserve croutons until just before serving; store in the refrigerator.

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Creamy Cucumber Soup

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Creamy Cucumber Soup

English, or hothouse, cucumbers have thin skins, few seeds, and mild flavor. English cucumbers are sold wrapped in plastic, rather than coated in wax.

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New Ambrosia

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: New Ambrosia

This recipe is a fresh way to use citrus. Sprinkle toasted sweetened flaked coconut over each serving, if desired.

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Mango Salad

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Mango Salad

Create a colorful and healthy salad by combining mango slices, tomato, cucumber, corn, basil, and a lime vinaigrette, then tossing with arugula.

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Avocado Fruit Salad

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Avocado Fruit Salad

You can prepare this salad a day ahead, but don't cut up the avocado or add garnishes until just before you serve it.

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Blueberry Salsa

Photo: Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Blueberry Salsa

Fresh blueberries provide the sweet while jalapeño pepper, bell pepper, and cilantro provide the savory. Serve with toasted flour tortilla strips for an easy appetizer or side dish.

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Olives Scaciati

Photo: Tina Cornett

Recipe: Olives Scaciati

Double the recipe—as we did here—for a dramatic presentation that will feed a large group.

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Creamy Crab Dip

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Creamy Crab Dip

Fresh lump crab is the star of this easy dip recipe, and the flavor of Lowcountry favorite Old Bay seasoning shines through.

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Heirloom Tomato and Chicken Toss

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Heirloom Tomato and Chicken Toss

This farm-fresh salad might be the prettiest way to use up that rotisserie chicken in your fridge.

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Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball

This springy cheese ball will brighten up any cheese and charcuterie platter.

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Bitter Greens Salad with Lemon and Pecorino

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lauren Smith Ford; Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Bitter Greens Salad with Lemon and Pecorino Recipe

This is the perfect mixed green salad. With a bright, tangy vinaigrette, it’s the perfect accompaniment to a main dish like grilled steak, fish, or chicken, or a beautiful starter salad.

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Watermelon Gazpacho

Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Watermelon Gazpacho

This summery chilled soup is the perfect appetizer for an outdoor dinner party—dressy but cool.

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Herbed Shrimp-and-Rice Salad

Photo: Alison Miksch; Prop Styling: Mary Clayton Carl; Food Styling: Mary-Claire Britton;

Recipe: Herbed Shrimp-and-Rice Salad

Your guests will never know this colorful, light salad was made with shrimp you didn’t cook yourself and microwaveable rice, but they don’t have to.

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Succotash Salsa

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Succotash Salsa

A summer-favorite side dish gets appetizer treatment with this easy dip everyone will love.

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Tropical Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Tropical Chicken Lettuce Wraps

This fresh, 15-minute appetizer gives us another reason to love store-bought rotisserie chicken.

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Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad

No one will guess that the most beautiful summer salad to hit the potluck only took you 10 minutes to throw together.

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Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

Laurey W. Glenn

Recipe: Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

These veggie bites are a hostess-favorite appetizer. Why? They look pretty, they’re easy to grab-and-go, they’re not messy, and they’re so easy to put together.

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Shaved Carrot, Asparagus, and Apple Salad

Antonis Achilleo; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke, Food Styling: Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Shaved Carrot, Asparagus, and Apple Salad

This springy update on a classic coleslaw recipe is light, bright and oh-so-pretty.

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Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

Hector Manuel Sanchez

Recipe: Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

You can make a gorgeous platter of crudité and homemade pita chips to surround this Southern spin on classic hummus.

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Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

Recipe: Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad

Add something fresh to the cookout spread with this easy, colorful salad.

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Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers

Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers

This bite-size version of a melon salad has the perfect sweet-salty balance.

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Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad

Southern Living

Recipe: Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad

There’s no need for fuss: This simple chicken salad recipe will do the trick at any luncheon.

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Smoky Brussels Sprout Slaw

Southern Living

Recipe: Smoky Brussels Sprout Slaw

Sweet, salty, tangy, smoky—this crunchy slaw recipe has it all, and everyone will be begging for your secret.

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Strawberry Caprese Salad

Photo: Iain Bagwell

Recipe: Strawberry Caprese Salad

Celebrate spring with this fresh salad that can be served over French baguette slices as an appetizer or mixed greens as a starter salad.

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Fresh Fruit Salad

Jen Causey

Recipe: Fresh Fruit Salad

Every luncheon, potluck, and brunch spread could use a simple, delicious fruit salad, like this lightly dressed one.

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Turnip Green Salad

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Katelyn Hardwick

Recipe: Turnip Green Salad

This fresh salad is full of beautiful produce and topped with our own homemade Green Goddess Dressing that you’ll want to keep in the fridge for good.

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Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad

Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad

This summer stunner showcases all those gorgeously fresh fruits and veggies you picked up at the local farmers’ market.

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Creamy Feta-and-Herb Dip

Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop styling: Missie Neville Crawford; Food styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Creamy Feta-and-Herb Dip

This rich homemade dip is so much better than store-bought, and yes, guests will be able to taste the difference.

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Apple, Celery, and Romaine Salad with Pancetta and Blue Cheese

Photo: Alison Gootee; Styling: Suzonne Stirling

Recipe: Apple, Celery, and Romaine Salad Recipe with Pancetta and Blue Cheese

This starter salad is endlessly elegant but so simple to make.

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Spicy Pineapple Slaw

Southern Living

Recipe: Spicy Pineapple Slaw

This crunchy, festive slaw recipe combines sweet pineapple with spicy jalapenos for a side dish that can get the party started.

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Tomato Sandwiches

Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Cat Steele

Recipe: Tomato Tea Sandwiches

What’s a shower or luncheon without an arrangement of tea sandwiches? This recipe takes a Southern classic and makes it portable for parties.

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Zucchini Noodle Salad

Photo: Linda Pugliese; Prop Styling: Kay E. Clarke; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Zucchini Noodle Salad

This fresh salad is a sunny starter or perfect pair with a hearty main dish protein like steak, chicken, shrimp, or fish.

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Classic Pimiento Cheese

Photo: Jennifer Causey; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Basic Pimiento Cheese

This might be a simple pimiento cheese recipe with very few ingredients, but it surely doesn’t taste basic. Set it up with crackers and crudité or make tea sandwiches with it for easy grab-and-go access.

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Strawberry-Tomato Salad

Photo: Hector Sanchez; Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller

Recipe: Strawberry-Tomato Salad

The only directions needed for this pretty salad? “Stir together all ingredients.” You’re welcome.

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White Gazpacho

Oxmoor House

Recipe: White Gazpacho

Hosting a summer dinner party? Impress everyone with this lovely chilled soup that only takes a blender and a little time in the fridge.

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Clementine-and-Collard Greens Salad

Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Emily Nabors Hall

Recipe: Clementine-and-Collard Greens Salad

This healthy yet hearty salad is bright and beautiful for your table, and store-bought rotisserie chicken comes to the rescue yet again.

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Ham Salad

Alison Miksch

Recipe: Ham Salad

Step aside chicken salad: Whether with crackers, cheese puffs, croissants, or in tea sandwiches, your friends will love this old-school recipe at the luncheon or potluck.

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Guacamole with Jicama

Wynn Myers

Recipe: Guacamole with Jicama

If you love to try new ways with good ole guac, this will be your favorite, guaranteed.

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Squash Ribbon Salad

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Squash Ribbon Salad

You just need six ingredients and a veggie peeler to throw together this pretty summer salad.

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Cream Cheese-and-Walnut Stuffed Celery

Photo: Greg DuPree; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Cream Cheese-and-Walnut Stuffed Celery

At appetizer time, there’s something nostalgic about a classic relish tray. This easy bite comes together quickly, but the cream cheese, honey, and walnut filling is to die for.

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Brussels Sprout Slaw with Apples and Pecans

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Brussels Sprout Slaw with Apples and Pecans

This fresh, crunchy slaw has everything you could want in a side dish, and the presentation is much prettier than the time you spent on it would let on.

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Mini Caprese Bites

William Dickey

Recipe: Mini Caprese Bites

These savory bites are the easiest appetizer for guests (and hostesses) on the move.

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West Indies Crab Salad

Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Claire Spollen; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: West Indies Crab Salad

Showcase fresh lump crabmeat with this old-school recipe from Mobile, Alabama. Guests who haven’t had it before will fall in love.

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Ombré Citrus Salad

Photo: Victor Protasio; Prop Styling: Heather Chadduck Hillegas; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Recipe: Ombré Citrus Salad

This salad is beautiful enough for a holiday spread but easy enough for a last-minute get-together.

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Prosciutto-Wrapped Mango Bites

Beth Dreiling Hontzas

Recipe: Prosciutto-Wrapped Mango Bites

No one wants to ruin their appetite on heavy appetizers before an amazing dinner. These fresh bites strike the perfect sweet-savory-salty balance without getting your guests too full pre-dinner.

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Watermelon Salad

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Buffy Hargett Miller; Food Styling: Katelyn Hardwick

Recipe: Watermelon Salad

Summer produce shines in this simple salad that will start the meal off on a bright note.

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Texas Caviar

Southern Living

Recipe: Texas Caviar

This tailgate-favorite dip is actually pretty healthy, so go ahead and dig in.

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Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Pickled Okra

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pimiento Cheese-Stuffed Pickled Okra

This fun appetizer is about as Southern as it gets, and it’s so ideal for a casual cookout.

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Whipped-Cream Corn Salad

Southern Living

Recipe: Whipped-Cream Corn Salad

If you don’t have time to make corn pudding before the potluck, no worries! This no-cook salad has all the fluffy goodness you crave.

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Caesar Salad Bites

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Caesar Salad Bites

Everything you love about Caesar salad, in pick-up form! Don’t fuss with tossing a salad (or said salad getting wilted and soggy during the party) with this colorful starter.

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Herbed Cucumber-and-Tomato Salad

Greg DuPree

Recipe: Herbed Cucumber-and-Tomato Salad

This Greek-inspired side dish is fresh, easy, and only gets better the longer it marinates.

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Cheddar-Horseradish-Walnut Cheese Ball

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Cheddar-Horseradish-Walnut Cheese Ball

Take the stress out of entertaining with a cheese ball that doesn’t stand a chance at providing leftovers once guests taste a bite.

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Carrot-and-Fennel Salad

Photo: Antonis Achilleos; Prop Styling: Christine Keely; Food Styling; Tina Bell Stamos

Recipe: Carrot-and-Fennel Salad

This quick salad recipe is bright and fresh to accompany any main dish.

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Herbed Goat Cheese-Melon Party Bites

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Recipe: Herbed Goat Cheese-Melon Party Bites

This four-ingredient appetizer looks beautiful but takes basically no work on your end, which makes it a busy hostess win.

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Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

Photo: Hector Manuel Sanchez; Prop Styling: Lydia Pursell; Food Styling: Toni Brogan

Recipe: Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad

We updated the classic caprese with farm-fresh cherry tomatoes for easy big-batch serving.

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60+ No-Cook Appetizers and Salads

1 of 63

Barbecue-Peach Summer Rolls

2 of 63

Easy Summer Appetizer Board

3 of 63

Watermelon "Steak" Salad

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White Cheddar-Chive Pimiento Cheese

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BLT Salad with Olive Vinaigrette

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Tomato-and-Watermelon Salad

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Green Goddess Dipping Sauce

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Tomato-Cucumber Bread Salad

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Creamy Cucumber Soup

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New Ambrosia

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Mango Salad

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Avocado Fruit Salad

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Blueberry Salsa

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Olives Scaciati

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Creamy Crab Dip

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Heirloom Tomato and Chicken Toss

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Feta-Olive-Fresh Herb Cheese Ball

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Bitter Greens Salad with Lemon and Pecorino

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Watermelon Gazpacho

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Herbed Shrimp-and-Rice Salad

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Succotash Salsa

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Tropical Chicken Lettuce Wraps

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Sesame, Tomato, and Cucumber Salad

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Stuffed Endive with Herbed Goat Cheese

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Shaved Carrot, Asparagus, and Apple Salad

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Smoky Black-Eyed Pea Hummus

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Watermelon, Cucumber, and Feta Salad

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Melon, Mozzarella, and Prosciutto Skewers

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Old-Fashioned Chicken Salad

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Smoky Brussels Sprout Slaw

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Strawberry Caprese Salad

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Fresh Fruit Salad

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Turnip Green Salad

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Tomato, Peach, and Corn Salad

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Creamy Feta-and-Herb Dip

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Apple, Celery, and Romaine Salad with Pancetta and Blue Cheese

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Spicy Pineapple Slaw

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Tomato Sandwiches

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