Summer Slam Salad Winners Announced

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Mercedes Neder making her Watermelon Surprise

Ten employees participated in the Grand Summer Slam Salad Cook-Off at the County Operations Center Plaza last month in an effort to become the County’s top (salad) chef.

The contestants used fresh produce provided by the Farmers Market Stand and had 30 minutes to “shop” and prepare their delicious dishes in the live showdown. The scrumptious summer salads were judged on taste and presentation.

The top 5 finishers for the 2016 Summer Slam Salad Contest were:

  • 1st Place: Mercedes Neder, Probation
  • 2nd Place: Virginia Exner, Human Resources
  • 3rd Place: Kevin Till, Edgemoor
  • 4th Place: Ieecha Harvey, California Children’s Services
  • 5th Place: Daniel Cajina, Access Center

Mercedes Neder, an administrative analyst, took first place with her mouthwatering Watermelon Surprise recipe. The flavorful salad is full of butter lettuce and juicy fruits, and then topped with a summery dressing and colorful garnishes. The dish is great for any picnic or summer dinner party. And if the summer heat is not enough for you, Neder offers a spicy option to bring more zest to the award-winning dish.

So do something sweet for your friends and family--bring this summery salad to your next get-together.

Virginia Exner making her Gondola Garden Delight recipe.

Mercedes’ Watermelon Surprise

Ingredients:

  • Several butter lettuce leaves
  • Pinch of basil
  • 1 nectarine
  • 1 mango
  • ½ inch slice of pineapple
  • 12 strawberries
  • 3 tablespoons watermelon jelly
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • Handful of almonds
  • 2 tablespoons feta cheese
  • ¼ yellow bell pepper
  • Optional: chopped jalapeño and a grate of ginger 

Directions:

  1. Chop butter lettuce and basil. Add to large bowl.
  2. Add cubed nectarine, mango and watermelon.
  3. Add sliced pineapple.
  4. Add quartered strawberries.
  5. In separate bowl mix watermelon jelly and apple cider vinegar to make dressing. To kick it up a bit add finely choppedToss on salad mix.
  6. Garnish with almonds, feta cheese and diced yellow peppers.

 Contestant Kevin Till makes a fruit-filled salad.