The Memorial Day barbecue marks the unofficial beginning of summer. It’s a tradition who doesn’t have one? The traditional afternoon of burgers, hot dogs, potato salad, and beers in honor of those who lost their lives fighting for American ideals. The days are longer. The air is warmer. Thanks to the coronavirus, 2020 has been a year of broken traditions, commencement speeches are virtual, postponed weddings and funerals have lost the comfort that comes from gathering with friends and loved ones. There are no rules against hanging out in your own backyard in the age of COVID-19. People who have been quarantining together don’t have to stay 6 feet apart. If your neighbors are hanging out in their backyards, too, that’s fine, but be sure to stay — at least — the required 6 feet apart from anyone who you don’t live with. That means it’s probably best to grab a dog, a beer, and retreat to your own stoop or side of the fence. So this year your cookout is smaller and limited to just your house members but doesn’t mean you shouldn’t bring your A-game to grilling. Time for summer salads with our help from Strega by Nick Varano!
Whipped ricotta and toasted pine nuts —has ever a better texture combination existed? Topped with beets, this meal is just an amazing textural experience. With just a bit of organic local honey, and nice beets. It is absolute heaven.
Crab & Avocado Salad
This crab and avocado salad might taste best on a white sandy beach with a margarita in hand, but it will go well with your afternoon picnic in your backyard. Fresh Maine crab, combined with fresh avocado, and poppy seed aioli. This is a nutrient-dense and delicious salad. Toss and drizzle with your favorite salad.
Caprese
Caprese—the classic Italian combo of buffalo mozzarella, garden tomato, EVOO, and balsamic glaze. Using only the freshest ingredients highlights its elegant simplicity.
La Romana
The minimal ingredient list of crisp romaine hearts, homemade Ceasar dressing, with grilled chicken or grilled shrimp, a simple process, bright, fresh flavors—the virtues of this salad in a nutshell.
Miticanza
A refreshing and nutritious go-to summer salad with wild mixed greens and garden tomatoes. This salad is the perfect mix of both fresh and hearty ingredients and is filling enough before all the barbecue food hits your plate.
No matter how restrictive the current pandemic, I hope that many of us will acknowledge the sacrifices made in other times by Americans this Memorial Day and celebrate, with social distancing.For Memorial Day, the first three-day weekend since the pandemic began enjoy it. Stay safe! Eat up! Order from us this long weekend! Please enjoy your at-home cookout with a meal from us!
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