Advice for enjoying easy meals outdoors
MISSION, Kan.,
April 29,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- (Family Features) Bright
sunshine, warm patios and fresh foods go hand in hand. As warm
weather and sunny days call you outdoors, bring the whole family
along with favorite meals that blend perfectly with a soft breeze
and the subtle sounds of nature.
Al fresco dining doesn't have to be difficult. Just gather a few
supplies, whip up a favorite recipe or two and ask for a hand in
heading outside. Take these tips into account to help ensure your
backyard dining goes off without a hitch.
Create a Cozy Spot
Dinner in the backyard means convenience and the comfort of your
own patio furniture, but you can always enhance the experience with
an umbrella to add a touch of shade or a small fan on those still,
steamy evenings. If a busy day means a later dinner, hanging
strings of soft lighting can help illuminate the table.
Make It Fresh
Salad season means fresh ingredients from lettuce and veggies to
favorite toppings and beyond. Add a crisp bite to your next al
fresco occasion with this Southwest Ranch Taco Salad featuring
Newman's Own's Southwest Ranch Dressing. The dressing is creamy and
smoky with a kick of spice and features no artificial flavors, no
colors from artificial sources and no MSG, making it a perfect
companion for salads and dips. In fact, you can enjoy this seasonal
salad even more knowing that 100% of profits from the sale of the
dressing goes toward helping nourish and transform the lives of
children facing adversity.
Don't Forget the Essentials
No outdoor meal is complete without a few must-have utensils.
Avoid trips back and forth from the house by writing a list of
everything you need so you don't head to the deck without forks to
share a salad or napkins to help clean up the mess. Bring the
basics like plates, cups, utensils, napkins and a cloth to rest
food on. Don't leave behind serving spoons, trash bags and other
convenience items that make al fresco dining a breeze.
Serve a Perfect Salad Partner
While a hearty salad alone is enough for a filling al fresco
meal, you can take your backyard dining to the next level with the
perfect partner for satisfying salads: crudites. Arranged neatly on
a platter or board, a seasonal variety of sliced or whole raw
vegetables such as snap peas, celery, carrots, cucumbers, cherry
tomatoes, mini bell peppers, broccoli and more can make for a
perfect accompaniment to nearly any outdoor meal. Serve with a dip
or two, such as Newman's Own's Southwest Ranch Dressing, to
complete your al fresco appetizer.
To find more al fresco food options that give back, visit
NewmansOwn.com.
Southwest Ranch Taco Salad
Total time: 25 minutes
1/2 head romaine lettuce
1 pint cherry
tomatoes
2 small
avocados
1 tablespoon
extra-virgin olive oil
1 pound ground
beef (80/20 ground chuck)
2 teaspoons
Newman's Own Mild Taco Seasoning
1/4 cup water
1 can (15 1/2
ounces) black beans
1 1/2 cups canned corn
1 cup shredded
sharp cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons
chopped fresh cilantro, plus additional for serving (optional),
divided
1 cup Newman's Own
Southwest Ranch Dressing
6 ounces tortilla
chips
Coarsely chop lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes and pit, peel and
slice avocados. Set aside.
In large frying pan over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Brown
ground beef, stirring occasionally, 4-5 minutes. Add taco seasoning
and water; cook according to package directions, 5-8 minutes, or
until meat is thoroughly cooked.
Drain and rinse black beans. Set aside.
Divide lettuce among serving bowls or plates. Top with ground
beef, tomatoes, avocados, black beans, corn, cheese and 2
tablespoons cilantro. Tuck in tortilla chips.
Drizzle with southwest ranch dressing and sprinkle with
additional cilantro, if desired.
Michael French
mfrench@familyfeatures.com
1-888-824-3337
editors.familyfeatures.com
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