This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

A Fruit & Veggie Medley Recipe for Mom

Cool down in this warm weather with easy prep and healthy meals packed with fresh fruits and vegetables.

It's Mother's Day, which means the day will be full of family and friends to celebrate with. Oh yes, and that all important mom, too! Just like mother always said, eat plenty of your fruits and vegetables. With this meal, you can. Take 20 minutes of prep time to make a brunch friendly meal or appetizers galore. Mother will be so proud.

Get ready to taste an Italian inspired fruit and veggie medley with prosciutto wrapped melon, vegetable pasta salad, and an antipasto salad.

Gather:

Find out what's happening in Rancho Bernardo-4s Ranchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

2 cantaloupe, sliced into wedges, then cubes, preferably with no rind

Veggies of choice, pick any three or more: try zucchini, carrots, squash, broccoli, bell peppers of all colors, tomatoes, red onion, or any of your favorites. Dice, slice, or shred all veggies.

Find out what's happening in Rancho Bernardo-4s Ranchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

1 bunch of green onions, diced

1 bunch of parsley, diced

1 block of your favorite cheese: feta, cheddar, or goats cheese, crumbled or shredded

1 bottle of olives, black, kalamata or green, sliced

1 bottle of olive oil

1 bottle of balsamic vinaigrette

1 head of lettuce, chopped

Ingredients from the Cabinet or Local Grocery Store:

1/2 pound Prosciutto, thinly sliced

1/2 pound Genoa salami, diced

Toothpicks

1 bag of rainbow or bow-tie pasta, cook al-dente and cool

Your favorite Italian dressing

1 bottle spicy pickled salad "Giardiniera"

1 jar of roasted red peppers, sliced

1 jar of artichoke hearts, sliced

Salt/Pepper

Directions:

Prosciutto wrapped melon: Chopped melon will be wrapped in prosciutto and held in place with a toothpick. Pieces should be bite-size and assorted on a platter as an appetizer. Melon and prosciutto are a classic Italian combination and perfect for easy preparation and warm weather.

Vegetable pasta salad: Cook your pasta "al dente" or just a little before "well done." Pasta should be a little firm, not over done. Drain and cool. Mix with diced vegetables, cheese, dressing, and salt and pepper. Toss, cool again, and serve. Dress with green onions and chopped parsley for extra presentation.

Antipasto Salad courtesy of Rachael Ray: Coarsely chop lettuce. Layer on top with salami, pickled vegetable medley, roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, and olives. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette on top. Toss and add salt/pepper to taste. Serve cold.

Serve these tasty delights for Mother's Day or any day with family and friends. These dishes together serve up to 10 people and are a wonderful way to get you out of the kitchen and enjoying the warm weather. Little to no cooking involved!

Find us on Facebook and Twitter @RBPatch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?