Summer’s (almost) here!

While summer is not officially here yet, it certainly feels like it! I’m having a houseful of company this weekend and of course the cooking is made so much easier with plans to make a bunch of cold salads ahead and barbecue something easy. Warmer weather often means outdoor get-togethers, pot-lucks and barbecues. Navigating the buffet table while on a renal diet can be very stressful so make sure to always bring something you know you can eat. It can be especially difficult if you are on a low potassium diet.

Food GroupFruits
Vegetables and SaladsSnacks and Sweets
High Potassium
Limit or Avoid
Cantaloupe, Honey Dew, Kiwi, Mango, Nectarines, Prunes, Oranges, Bananas, ApricotsBaked Beans, Kidney Beans, Bean Salads, Baked Potatoes, Potato Salad, Spinach, TomatoesPotato Chips, Nuts and Seeds, Chocolate Desserts, Ice Cream
Enjoy InsteadBerries, Apples, Cherries, Grapes, Plums, Pineapple, Peaches, Canned Fruit CocktailCorn, Cucumbers, Green & Yellow Beans, Lettuce, Zucchini, Macaroni Salad, Coleslaw, Crab Salad, Gelatin Salad, Tuna SaladUnsalted Popcorn or Pretzels, Strawberry Shortcake, Sherbet, Sorbet, Sugar Cookies, White Cake

This super-fast, easy and delicious salad can be served warm or cold and becomes a complete meal when combined with leftover grilled meat, chicken, fish or shrimp. If you’ve never tried couscous before you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how easy it is and how well it keeps.

COUSCOUS SALAD (serves 10)
3 cups boiling water
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp cumin
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp lemon juice
3 cups quick cooking couscous
2 tsp olive oil
1 green onion finely chopped
1 small carrot finely chopped
1/2 red pepper finely chopped
fresh cilantro

Bring water to boil with cinnamon, cumin, honey & lemon juice. Add couscous. Cover and remove from heat. Fluff with fork and add vegetables, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Salad can be served warm or chilled.

One thought on “Summer’s (almost) here!

Leave a Reply