Holidays are always hectic in our household with kids running around, decorations to be set, and most importantly the FOOD to be made it can be a little overwhelming. I love simple recipes that save me time in the kitchen and give me more time with family and friends. This year we are headed to the Quad Cities for my oldest sons baseball tournament, but lucky for us that is where my in-laws live, so we can have fun watching the games and have time to visit with family. I have a couple of my favorite go to recipes that are simple and perfect to whip up at home or away for this years Memorial Day weekend.
Arugula Watermelon Ricotta Salad
This salad is so beautiful with bright fresh ingredients with salty and sweet complimenting each other, it is a favorite dish year round of mine, but the colors make it especially festive this time of year. You can make a serving size for one or feed a crowd. It is so easy to put together in just a couple minutes!
INGREDIENTS (to feed a crowd)
- 1 bag of fresh arugula
- 2 cups of seedless watermelon cubed
- 6 ounces of fresh blueberries
- 8oz of whole milk fresh ricotta (I like the one from Trader Joe’s)
- Juice of one freshly squeezed lime (sub lemon as well)
- Olive oil good amount of drizzle
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cracked pepper to taste
(4 Side Servings)
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl toss in all of your freshly washed and dried arugula.
Add chopped watermelon to the bowl with arugula. Add blueberries.
Spoon in ricotta throughout the salad in little dollops. This will add incredible creaminess and protein to the salad, don’t stir it in.
Cut lime in half and squeeze entire lime over the salad for a citrus bite
Drizzle fresh olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. In the video I have a salt and pepper shaker in one, left grind is salt, right grind is pepper for reference. ENJOY! 🥣
Shortcut Strawberry Shortcakes (Kids Favorite)
INGREDIENTS
- 6 ounces frozen raspberries, defrosted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 pound strawberries
- 6 dessert shells
- 1 can or tub whipped cream
(6 Servings)
DIRECTIONS
Put raspberries, sugar, lemon juice and zest into a magic bullet or food processor. Blend until smooth.
Dice 8-10 of the strawberries. Fill the center of each shortcake with a pile of diced strawberries.
Top diced strawberries with a generous spoonful of raspberry puree.
Place a dollop or large squirt of whipped cream on top, and then garnish with fanned strawberries.
You can place dots or drizzles of raspberry puree on the plate for a gourmet touch, and serve with whole strawberries.
Credit: https: fromthegrapevine.com
Sparkling Red Wine Sangria (Adults Only Beverage)
After a long day sipping a refreshing cocktail is relaxing. This recipe I found is perfect for batch cocktails to enjoy while enjoying the warm weather on Memorial Day weekend.
INGREDIENTS
- 750 mL bottle red wine
- 1 pink lady apple cored and chopped
- 1 orange quartered and sliced
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (triple sec of Cointreau)
- 1/4 cup apple juice
- 350 mL prosecco (or dry sparkling wine)
DIRECTIONS
In a glass container, combine wine, fruit, liquor, and apple juice. Refrigerate a minimum of 1 hour, but at least 6 hours is recommended.
To serve, pour sangria and a scoop of fruit into an ice-filled glass leaving room to add sparkling wine. Top with Prosecco or preferred sparkling beverage.
Recipe Credit: RealHouseMoms.com
Holidays in our house are always special if it is the little traditions or just spending time with each other I always want and try to be in the moment. I hope these fast and delicious recipes help you relax and enjoy this Memorial Day with all your family and friends.
XOXO,
Juliana