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!
~ 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
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
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.
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.
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
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!
This is perfection and would love a plate right now. Lori you did it again.
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 . . .?
Hi Eha – I would love to see your table under the tree, I bet it is so beautiful…
LL
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
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.
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
Perfect garden party indeed!!
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.
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….
Thanks Nami – that means the world coming from you. Next visit to SoCal you and your family must come to dine with us!
LL
What a lovely combination of tastes and colors! It sounds and looks divine.
gorgy!
I had no idea you were an Alpha Phi! Hey there sister! What an amazing way to spend an afternoon with sisters! Gorgeous meal and sweet place cards, so lovely 🙂
AOE,
Michelle
Hi Michelle – so fun to get to know other APhis through blogging!
AOE,
LL
Well, how chuffed am I to have my cards decorating your gorgeous table in such a sweet and imaginative way, Lori Lynn! What a fabulous idea ~ I love the writing you added, too ~ a perfect touch. Thank you!