Food plays a major role in the celebrations of summer, and rightly so.
Fresh produce is at the peak of its abundance, making special occasion meals a pleasure to prepare. That's why salads top my list of what I enjoy making for summer meals, whether just for ourselves or for guests. I'll often prepare three or four different salads when preparing a festive meal for company, and simply add some fresh bread and dessert. Salads can include anything and everything, as long as the ingredients are harmonious to both the palate and eye. Turn an ordinary lettuce and tomato salad into a Greek salad by adding crumbled feta cheese, cured black olives and a sharp vinaigrette.