With Memorial Day this weekend… BBQ’s and get togethers are certainly in your future. But, when you’re strapped for time (because let’s face it, we always are) deciding what to bring can be a challenge! Below, you’ll find three of my absolute favorite summertime recipes that make great dishes to bring to a party. The first is Avocado Corn Black Bean Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing from the website, Vegan Huggs that make the perfect side dish. The other is a Chocolate Cool Whip Cake with Berries that my mom always made when I was little. It makes a great dessert! The third is an American Flag Party Tray thanks to our sister site, South Orange County Moms! All three are super easy, only require a few ingredients and are relatively light!
Avocado Black Bean Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing
Ingredients
Salad
Two 15 oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
Two avocados, seeded and cubed
Two cups of corn, fresh or frozen (thawed)
Two cups cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1/3 cup cilantro, rough chopped
Dressing
1/3 cup fresh lime juice (you can always add more!)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon agave or any sweetener
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon sea salt (you can add more)
Fresh ground pepper, to taste
Head to veganhuggs.com for the recipe!
Chocolate Cool Whip Cake with Berries
Ingredients
One box of chocolate cake mix (and any of the ingredients that go along with it)
Two containers of Cool Whip
Two or Three containers with the berries of your choice
(I prefer strawberries! If you use strawberries, cut the tops off and then cut in half)
Instructions
1. Make the cake according to the instructions on the box
2. Let the cake cool completely after being taken out of the oven
3. Cut the cake horizontally down the middle in order to create two layers
4. Spread Cool Whip on each side that you cut and spread some berries on top
5. Put back together so you have a layer cake
6. Spread Cool Whip on the rest of the cake
7. Spread the berries on the bottom and sides of the cake
8. ENJOY!
American Flag Party Tray
Ingredients
Blue Fruit: Blueberries & Blackberries
Red Fruit: Strawberries, cherries, raspberries & watermelon
White: Yogurt covered pretzels, white cheese & apples without the skin
Assemble as pictured above from South Orange County Moms!