Katie
Are family reunions, neighborhood gatherings and friendly cookouts on your summer calendar? The summer season is almost here and cookouts top my list of favorite activities. I aim to bring side dishes that are quick to prepare, easy to transport and a snap to serve up. Oh yeah, and they have to be tasty (even better if bacon or cheese is included). We’ve even skipped the mayo in this round-up – ’cause Salmonella spoils any celebration! Try one of these fantastic side dish recipes instead of a traditional pasta salad:
Thai Peanut Sesame Noodles…. serve as is or add some extra veggies. 
Mediterranean Orzo Salad – bring on the feta! 
Caprese Pasta Salad …yum! 
Make your antipasto easier to serve by creating these Antipasto Kabobs. 
If you are a slaw lover, try this Oriental Coleslaw. Add canned mandarin oranges for some added sweetness. 
Bring on the fruit! It’s the season for succulent strawberries and loads of other sweets from Mother Nature. So get out your time-saving and waste-avoiding strawberry huller (affiliate) and enjoy! Fruit Salsa with Baked Cinnamon Chips
Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing 
The sweet and saltiness of these dishes will make them disappear soon after you arrive. Watermelon Feta and Mint Skewers 
If you haven’t tried prosciutto with melon together, we HIGHLY recommend it. Prosciutto and Cantaloupe Bites 
Don’t forget those 2.5 servings of vegetables everyone needs each day. Make one of these and guests will make room for seconds. Roasted Corn with Basil Shallot Vinaigrette 
Skinny Broccoli Salad probably wont make you skinny but don’t let that prevent you from making it.
Anyone from New England knows a cookout isn’t complete without baked beans. Big Bob Gibson’s Bar-B-Q Baked Beans 
If you’re up for a twist on potato salad that will tempt you to wear a dirndl, try German Potato Salad.
Lastly, enjoy watching guests pig out on a Watermelon and Cantaloupe Pig. 
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