Chocolate Castles as wel

We have been invited to a steak cookout next week where I was told to bring an appetizer. Since my blog is mostly about cooking, I felt it necessary that I should bring something more than a can of bean dip and a sack of Fritos. I googled “appitizers” and up popped a whole page of them taken from Southern Living kitchens. How had I missed this great recipe? I guess I have had my head in the bag of Hershey Kisses way to much lately. When I saw this recipe, I knew instantly that this was the one that would make them all stand up and say, “wow, I bet she has a cooking blog we need to check out!” Well, maybe, but at any rate, it will be refreshing & as one of our good friends likes to say, “ridiculously good”.

1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar
4 tables finely chopped fresh parsley
4 tables finely chopped green onion (greens only)
6 tables olive oil
1 envelope Garlic & herb dressing mix (Like Good Seasons brand)
2 lbs cooked shrimp (I buy the bag of medium size shrimp at Costco and thaw overnight, drain and is ready to use)
1 large can of black or green olives, drained
2 cups halved grape tomatoes
2 (4 oz) package feta cheese, cut into 1/2″ cubes
Small fresh basil leaves *(I am changing this to fresh cilantro instead because I am adding chunks of avocado)
Whisk together vinegar and next 4 ingredients in a bowl. Stir in shrimp and next 3 ingredients. Cover and chill 8-12 hours.
Stir in desired amount of avocado chunks and fresh cilantro (or the basil if you are using that instead of cilantro) right before serving.
Serve with crackers

If you are serving as a salad, place in a large glass bowl. It makes a beautiful presentation!