Contest Winning Garden State Salad Recipes

CONTEST-WINNING FESTIVE TOSSED SALAD

Steps:

• For dressing, place first five ingredients in a blender; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Add poppy seeds; pulse just until combined. , To serve, place remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with dressing.

SUNNY'S EASY GRILLED GARDEN STATE SALAD

Steps:

• For the pork roll and corn: Preheat the grill to 400 degrees F.
• Mix the honey and liquid smoke in a small bowl. Brush on both sides of the pork roll. Brush the corn on all sides with the olive oil. Place the pork roll slices and corn on the grill above the direct heat, flipping the pork once when a peek beneath reveals grill marks, 3 to 5 minutes total, and rolling the corn occasionally to get some charred kernels, about 10 minutes total. Let cool enough to handle, then chop the pork into cubes small enough to fit on your fork with the other ingredients, like corn and tomato. Cut the kernels of corn off the cobs and discard the cobs. Add the pork and corn kernels to a large bowl.
• For the dressing: Combine the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, cilantro, thyme, garlic, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a small jar with a lid or in small bowl. Shake or whisk until combined.
• For the salad: Add the chopped tomatoes to the bowl with the chopped pork roll and corn. Drizzle over the dressing and gently toss. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and thyme.

GARDEN STATE SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the grill to medium high (about 400˚ F). Prepare the pork roll and corn: Mix the honey and liquid smoke in a small bowl. Brush on both sides of the pork roll. Brush the corn on all sides with the olive oil. Grill the pork roll, flipping once when a peek beneath reveals grill marks, 3 to 5 minutes. Grill the corn, rolling it occasionally to get some charred kernels, about 10 minutes. Let cool slightly, then chop the pork into cubes small enough to fit on your fork and cut the corn kernels off the cobs. Add the pork and corn kernels to a large bowl.
• Make the dressing: Combine the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, cilantro, thyme, garlic, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a small jar with a lid or in a small bowl. Shake or whisk until combined.
• Assemble the salad: Add the chopped tomatoes to the bowl with the pork roll and corn. Drizzle with the dressing and gently toss. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro and thyme.

CONTEST-WINNING PICNIC PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook spiral pasta and tortellini according to package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add the artichokes, broccoli, provolone cheese, salami, peppers, beans, olives, onion and garlic. , Prepare salad dressing according to package directions; pour over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.