Carrot Salsa Salad Side Dish

I created this to complement spicy bbq rubbed pork chops (the rub recipe was from rachel ray). it pairs nicely with any barbequed meat dish. it's kind of a spin on copper pennies"...one of my favorite cold summer salads...but it's less sweet and a bit more versatile. serve it as a salsa to top meats or as a cold summer salad...it's even good when heated and served as a side dish."

Steps

Cook carrots till tender in microwave.

Chop red onion and green bell pepper.

For salsa: cut carrots into bite-sized pieces.

For salad or side dish: leave carrots whole.

Combine marinade ingredients in a medium bowl.

Toss in the veggies , except the grape tomatoes.

Now , smash each grape tomato over the bowl.

For salsa or salad: cover and refrigerate at least an hour.

For side dish: heat in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes.

Ingredients

baby carrots, red onion, green bell pepper, grape tomatoes, light italian dressing, ketchup, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, dried basil, dried parsley, salt and pepper