If you live in the U.S., you are smack dab in the middle of Labor Day weekend.  If you are not on a camping (or some other kind of) trip, you are most likely either hosting a gathering, or are attending a gathering.  We are hosting two gatherings for which I will be making one ton of food.  I will share some of the recipes later in the week but that won’t help you with ideas for what to make, will it?  Labor Day will have passed.  So, I’m going to remind you of some of my very favorite salads if you need salad inspiration for your Labor Day festivities.  But first, a giveaway.

One of the most challenging things about writing is editing.  Doing your own, or someone doing it for you.  I took a history class in high school where each week we would have a pithy contest.  You had to bring in a current event and talk about it clearly in the fewest words possible.  I think about that contest often when I am writing.  I know I am not the pithiest writer but I could be worse.

I started a post that was, honestly, all over the place.  Cookies, bad cookie cookbooks, back to school, and Target.  It was far from pithy.  So let me just dial it down for you.  Target contacted me recently asking if I wanted a $50 gift card to check out their new food offerings.  Did you know that many Target stores carry more than just potato chips?  Like a full-on fresh food section with beautiful produce to boot?  I didn’t either.  We did our back to school shopping at Target and I was thrilled to be able to get the things I couldn’t find at the farmer’s market in the same place as the pencils and erasers.  One stop shopping taken to a whole new level.

Now.  When I am offered something like this, I always ask if I can have two.  One for me, one to give away.  The Target people didn’t bat an eyelash.  So, who wants a $50 Target gift card?  In the comments, tell me the name of your favorite grade school teacher and (optional!) why he/she was your favorite.  You have until Friday, September 9th at 9am PDT to enter.  And now, salad!  (UPDATE: Contest is now closed!)

Zucchini and Olive Salad could not be easier and it elicits oooh’s and aaahh’s when you bring it to the table.

Everyone loves Greek Salad and in this post, I offer some tips on making a great one.

That old saying, “What grows together, goes together” is exactly what you find here.  Peaches, heirlooms, green beans.  Perfection.

If you are thinking of making a potato salad, why not try something a little different?  Potato Salad with Sugar Snap Peas and Creamy Tarragon Vinaigrette.  Be sure sure to use the purples.

I’ve made this salad, Lentils with Capers, Walnuts, Walnut Oil and Mint, more than just about anything in my life.  I love it.  I’m making it this weekend.

Israeli Couscous with Olives and Roasted Tomatoes.  Think of it either as a salad or a side dish.  Either way, delicious.