what to bring to a party??

We have a community pool party tomorrow night and I have to bring a covered dish to share with everyone. I love to cook but I know this is a dish that is going to be sitting on a table in the heat so if anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear them. I was thinking of some sort of dip or salad, something simple. Thanks in advance

I like to chill a watermelon and then bring the whole thing and a knife (but not a very sharp one if there are kids around). It won't spoil in the heat and most people get a kick out of it. But that's for dessert. I don't know about a main dish.

I attended a birthday party recently where this salad was served. It is yummy, keeps for a day or two in fridge. I used cashews instead of almonds (allergic).


CABBAGE SALAD WITH RAMEN NOODLES

1 lg. head cabbage - chopped
5 green onions, chopped
2 sm. carrots, grated (I use pre-packaged carrot strips)
2 pkg. Ramen noodles (broken) (don't use flavor packet)
1/2 c. sunflower seeds
1 pkg. slivered almonds (or any nut you prefer)
1/2 c. butter

Brown noodles, sunflower seeds, almonds in butter; set aside.

DRESSING
1 c. salad oil (make it little healthier by using olive oil)
2 tsp. soy sauce
1 c. sugar
1/2 c. vinegar
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix until well blended. Add dressing and noodle and nut mix to cabbage 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

A simple salad that does not have a mayo based dressing.....something Antipasto ish? A watermelon, fruit salad?

I often bring a cold pasta pesto salad (use ribbon pasta) or a fruit salad often using a watermelon as a bowl. ( I will sometimes bring strawberry yogurt to use as a salad dressing and dress the fruit after I arrive. Let us know what you bring.

I foound this recipe, it turned out great. it is probably one of those things that the lonfer it sits in the fridge the better it gets. thanks for all the ideas.




Broccoli and Tortellini Salad

6 slices bacon
20 ounces cheese-filled tortellini
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup white sugar
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
3 heads broccoli, cut into florets(blanched)
1 cup raisins(optional)
1 cup sunflower seeds
1 red onion, finely chopped

DIRECTIONS
Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside.
Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook tortellini in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain, and rinse under cold water.
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar to make the dressing.
In a large bowl, combine broccoli, tortellini, bacon, raisins, sunflower seeds and red onion. Pour dressing over salad, and toss.