What makes this the perfect garden party salad?

garden party shrimp salad, lemon basil shrimp salad
garden party shrimp salad

shrimp, navy bean, arugula, cucumber, olive, tomato, red onion
chunky lemon basil dressing

What makes this the perfect garden party salad? Breezy summery colors ~ pink, green, yellow, red. Contrasting textures from creamy beans to crunchy cucumber. It’s light enough to enjoy on a hot summer day, yet substantial enough to be a satisfying entrée. Ease of preparation, everything is made ahead and refrigerated in separate containers. The salad is composed just before serving ~ it’s casual and informal. The dressing is bright and pizazzy, whole lemon adds a bold note… As for the flavor, please be my guest and Taste With The Eyes!

garden party table setting

~ menu ~

appetizer ~ puff pastry with cantaloupe, blue cheese, walnuts, honey, balsamic syrup

entrée ~ garden party shrimp salad
grilled baguette

dessert ~ limoncello lemon curd & non-fat yogurt parfait
vanilla meringue cookies

beverages ~ sauvignon blanc & sparkling lemonade

shrimp basil salad
Salad Components:

  • shrimp ~ 21-25 size, peeled, tail-on, deveined, cooked then chilled
  • wild arugula ~ lightly dressed with olive oil, salt and pepper
  • tomato wedges
  • cucumber, thin slices
  • lemon wheels, cut in half
  • red onion slivers
  • olives ~ we like lucques
  • navy beans ~ lightly dressed with olive oil, salt and pepper
  • chunky lemon basil dressing
  • basil leaves & borage blossom to garnish

alpha phi luncheon

Chunky Lemon Basil Dressing

  • 5 lemon slices – 1/4″ thick, seeds removed
  • 1 c. basil leaves, loosely packed
  • olive oil
  • salt and pepper

Chop lemon and basil in a food processor. Stream in oil until it reaches a chunky dressing consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve at room temperature.

composed summer salad
To compose: Place a small mound of arugula in the center of a plate, arrange shrimp on top of arugula. Place other ingredients around the shrimp. Finish by spooning chunky lemon basil dressing about the salad. Top with whole basil leaves for garnish. Serve with grilled bread brushed with olive oil.

alpha phi luncheon, shell sherree card

I embellished the darling card by talented artist/blogger Shell Sherree to welcome my ΑΦ sisters to the garden party.

Thank you and ΑΟΕ ~ Molly, Deanna, Rachel, Abbi
and Peggy for the beautiful green & pink carafes

17 thoughts on “What makes this the perfect garden party salad?”

  1. That is a perfect summer (or anytime) meal for me. No lemonade for me, but pass the Sauvignon Blanc please.

    And, as always, the setting is gorgeous and so inviting!

  2. Love the setting and the styling and the light and fun menu! Yes, wine for me too, please! Eat every possible day, oft even in winter, under a similar tree, but further from cars apassin’ – mine is a Moreton Fig, common in E Australia: the leaves and ‘build’ of yours are not far removed . . .?

  3. Are there any homes for sale in your neighborhood? As I want to lurk around when you’re throwing parties…hoping for some leftovers!!! This salad is perfection! xo

  4. The lemon basil dressing looks great with the shrimp, and I love lucques olives! Your table is so pretty with those lovely flowers down the middle. It looks very inviting.

    1. Lisa – the appetizer was inspired by YOU! When I post, I will certainly give you the credit for the terrific combination of flavors. Merci Mon Ami,
      LL

  5. Oh how lucky your friends are to be spoiled by this absolutely scrumptious salad! I love the sound of that lemon dressing paired with seafood and crisp veggies. Also, your friend is a talented artist, that card says welcome so well.

  6. I wanted to be on your guest list!!!! I know it’s hard to get in, but maybe if I moved closer to your home… I dream to have a course meal at TWTE Dining Room. What a gorgeous plate of salad. One of the best looking salad I’ve seen – yet it’s very simple and delicate. I think the way you always cook is very similar to Japanese cuisine, but in Western form. I really love your style….

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