Garden Veggies

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

Gardening and growing your own fruits and vegetables is a great way to save money, especially when you start with seeds. Save the seeds from fruits and vegetables as you prepare them. Allow seeds to dry and then plant them in small containers. Cut the bottoms from plastic soda bottles or save tuna cans or margarine tubs for planting.

One thing that can present a problem when it comes to gardening is an overabundance, which can lead to waste if you're not careful. On that note, you may soon be looking for ways to use those fresh garden veggies. We always have too many vegetables, especially tomatoes, even after giving some away. If you find yourself in the same dilemma, try this easy, tasty recipe:

Veggie Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 large tomatoes
• 2 large onions
• 2 large green peppers
• 2 large cucumbers
• Italian Dressing (or your own combination of vinegar, oil, and spices)
• Parmesan cheese

*If you don't have any large vegetables, double the number of smaller ones.

Instructions:

Wash the vegetables and dice them into bite-sized pieces. Place them into a large bowl and cover with Italian dressing or your own combination. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toss. Cover and chill for about two hours before serving. Stir again before serving. This recipe makes a fresh, refreshing salad that works great as a side dish, a bring-along dish for picnics, or a nice, light lunch.

*Optional ingredients:

If you also have banana peppers, carrots, celery, radishes, etc. go ahead and dice them or slice them and toss them in as well.

You can also add one pound of cooked, chilled pasta for a heartier meal. Add extra dressing to taste.

Add black olives if desired.

If you have leftover chicken, dice it into small cubes and add to the salad.

*Making this fresh salad is also a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies!

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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