Salad cake for the barbecue “A piece of salad, please

#### **For the Cake Structure:**

* 1 large **round cake pan** (9-inch works best)
* **Plastic wrap** to line the cake pan

#### **For the Dressing (or “Frosting”):**

* 1 cup of **mayonnaise**
* 1/2 cup of **sour cream**
* 2 tablespoons of **Dijon mustard** (for a little zing)
* 1 tablespoon of **lemon juice**
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives) for garnish

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### **Step-by-Step: How to Assemble the Salad Cake**

#### 1. **Prepare the Cake Pan**

Start by lining your cake pan with plastic wrap. This will help you remove the “cake” after it sets and keep things nice and neat. You could also use a springform pan if you have one.

#### 2. **Make the Dressing**

In a bowl, mix together the **mayonnaise**, **sour cream**, **Dijon mustard**, and **lemon juice**. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy dressing will act as your “frosting” for the salad cake, giving it that rich, indulgent flavor.

#### 3. **Layer the Salad**

Start with a layer of **mixed greens** at the bottom of the pan, pressing them down gently. Add a little drizzle of your dressing over the greens to help it stick together.

Next, add your **cherry tomatoes**, **cucumber slices**, **shredded carrots**, and **sweet corn** as the next layers. Be sure to press down each layer gently to help the “cake” keep its shape. Add a light coat of dressing between each layer for flavor and structure.

Repeat the layers, using a variety of vegetables for color and texture—**red bell pepper**, **purple cabbage**, and **avocado** (if using) make excellent layers that add vibrant pops of color.

#### 4. **Chill and Set**

Once your salad layers are stacked, cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least **2-3 hours** to let everything set. This chilling time helps the layers firm up and makes it easier to slice and serve.

#### 5. **Frost the Salad Cake**

Once the cake has set, remove it from the fridge and carefully pull away the plastic wrap. Spread a generous layer of the creamy dressing on the outside of the cake to create a “frosting” effect. You can use a spatula to smooth it out evenly.

#### 6. **Garnish and Serve**

Top the salad cake with some fresh herbs like **dill**, **parsley**, or **chives** for a burst of freshness. You can also decorate with extra veggies or even some crumbled feta cheese for added flavor.

#### 7. **Slice and Enjoy**

When you’re ready to serve, slice the salad cake like you would a regular cake, revealing all those gorgeous layers inside. Each slice is a fresh and flavorful bite of heaven, perfect for any barbecue spread!

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### **Why Your Guests Will Love It**

1. **Visually Stunning**: This salad cake is a true showstopper. It will draw attention and spark conversations as people marvel at its beauty before they dig in.

2. **Super Fresh**: With all those vibrant veggies, your guests will enjoy a fresh and crisp contrast to the heavy meats and sides usually found at barbecues.

3. **Customizable**: You can easily swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Add in some **grilled chicken** for a protein boost, or throw in **olives** for extra flavor. The options are endless!

4. **Healthy and Light**: After indulging in burgers and hot dogs, this light, veggie-packed salad cake provides a refreshing alternative that’s both satisfying and guilt-free.

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### **Tips for the Perfect Salad Cake:**

* **Layering Tip**: Press down each layer gently to ensure the salad cake holds together when sliced.
* **Make Ahead**: This salad cake can be assembled the day before your barbecue, saving you time on the day of the event.
* **Dressings**: Experiment with different dressings! A tangy **ranch dressing** or a **balsamic vinaigrette** could be fun twists.
* **Add Protein**: For a heartier dish, top your salad cake with grilled shrimp, grilled chicken, or even bacon bits for that smoky crunch.

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### **Conclusion: The Ultimate Showstopper Salad**

The **Salad Cake** is a creative, vibrant, and fun way to serve veggies at your next barbecue. It’s the perfect balance of color, flavor, and texture, guaranteed to make your guests smile and ask for the recipe.

So, next time you’re hosting a summer cookout or potluck, why not add a little whimsy to the table with this **Salad Cake**? With its stunning layers and fresh ingredients, it’s the perfect way to say, “A piece of salad, please!” in the most delicious way possible.

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**What creative dishes do you like to serve at your BBQs?** Share your thoughts and ideas below! 🍽️ #SaladCake #BBQDelight #CreativeCooking

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Let me know if you need more fun and creative recipes for your next barbecue!