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Category: Salads & Dressings

Beet Salad with Poppy Seed + Chive Dressing

Beet Salad with Poppy Seed + Chive Dressing

Beet Salad with Poppy Seed + Chive Dressing

 

Kosher salt

2 1/2 lbs. [1.2 kg] red beets, scrubbed

2 T. plain yogurt or mayonnaise

2 T. olive oil

2 tsp. Dijon mustard

2 1/2 T. apple cider vinegar

l/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 l/2 T. poppy seeds

3 T. minced fresh chives (or a thinly sliced scallion minus the tough ends)

 

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil and add the beets (the water should cover the beets; if it doesn’t, add more). Cook the beets, turning them every so often, until they’re tender (test with a paring knife), about 45 minutes (it may be a bit less or a bit longer depending on the size and age of the beets, so start testing at 30 minutes). Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, mustard, vinegar, pepper, poppy seeds, 2 T. of the chives, and 1/2 tsp salt. Slice the warm beets into thin bite-size wedges or thin rounds (whatever you prefer) and transfer them to a large serving bowl or platter. Season them lightly with salt and then drizzle the dressing evenly over them. Sprinkle with the remaining 1 T. chives. Serve immediately. Drain the beets, transfer to a paper towel-lined cutting board, and use the paper towels to rub off the skins. Trim off and discard the root ends.

Earthy Celery Root Salad

Earthy Celery Root Salad

Earthy Celery Root Salad

 

1 celery root, cleaned, peeled and shredded.
1 green Granny Smith apple, cleaned and shredded.
1 T. lemon juice
½ cup parsley leaves, cleaned and separated from stems
½ cup almond halves, toasted

 

¼ cup olive oil
½ lemon, squeeze the juice
1 T. whole-grain Dijon mustard
1 tsp. ground black pepper
½ tsp. salt (if desired)

 

Pour 1 T. lemon juice on the shredded apple and celery to prevent oxidation. Add salad ingredients to a bowl: shredded celery root, apple and parsley leaves. Mix well. In a separate bowl mix all the dressing ingredients till the sauce is homogenous. Pour sauce on the salad, mix well, add almonds and serve

Fennel Salad with Manchego Cheese and Sunflower Seeds

Fennel Salad with Manchego Cheese and Sunflower Seeds

Fennel Salad with Manchego Cheese and Sunflower Seeds

 

2 fennel, shaved

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 tbs. sherry wine vinegar (or white wine, red wine, or other vinegar)

3 tbs. extra virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

Shredded manchego cheese

Roasted sesame seeds

Parsley, finely chopped

 

Toss shaved fennel and red onion. Mix vinegar, oil and salt into a quick vinaigrette and dress vegetables. Top with Manchego, seeds and sprinkle of flat leaf parsley.

Griddled Peaches, Basil, Watercress, Parmesan and Pine Nuts

Griddled Peaches, Basil, Watercress, Parmesan and Pine Nuts

Griddled Peaches, Basil, Watercress, Parmesan and Pine Nuts

 

4 small ripe but firm peaches, stoned, halved or quartered

extra virgin olive oil

3 ½ oz. watercress

red wine vinegar or lemon juice, to taste

small bunch of basil, leaves picked (a mix of varieties is nice), and a few flowers if you have them

1 oz. pine nuts, lightly toasted

2oz. Parmesan, shaved or coarsely grated

sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Give the peaches a good coating of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place a griddle pan over a high heat and sear the peaches on each cut surface until caramelized. Place on a chopping board to cool a little. Slice the peaches and arrange over a platter or individual plates. Toss the watercress with olive oil and vinegar or lemon juice to taste, then add to the peaches. Scatter over the basil, pine nuts and Parmesan, and finish with a good grinding of salt and pepper.

Salad Thinnings with Fresh Mozzarella

Salad Thinnings with Fresh Mozzarella

Salad Thinnings with Fresh Mozzarella

 

1 T. sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 cup (60 mi) sherry vinegar

1 medium beet, peeled and sliced thinly into rounds

1 (9-ounce/260-g) ball buffalo mozzarella, sliced thickly

A handful of salad leaf thinnings, roots sniped off, stems and leaves intact

Excellent extra-virgin olive oil

Freshly ground black pepper

 

In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar and salt in die vinegar Add the beet slices. Leave the beets to marinate for 30 minutes, turning them once or twice, for an instant pickle. Drain the brine from the beets.  On two small plates, alternate slices of pickled beet and mozzarella Top with the salad leaf thinnings. Drizzle some olive oil across the top and finish with a quick grinding of black pepper.

Shaved Asparagus, Pea and Pea Shoot Salad

Shaved Asparagus, Pea and Pea Shoot Salad

Dim Sum, sprouShaved Asparagus, Pea and Pea Shoot Salad

 

1½ cups shelled fresh peas (about 1 pound in the shell)

12 thick spears asparagus, trimmed (as described on page 14)

1 large garlic clove, smashed and peeled

½ tsp. mustard powder

1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1 whole anchovy (see Note), chopped

2 T. olive oil

¼ pound pea shootssprou

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 T. grated Parmesan cheese

 

In a pot of boiling water, cook the peas until tender, about 10 minutes. Drain. Using a very sharp knife (or a mandolin if you have one) cut the asparagus into very thin slivers on an angle. Raw asparagus must be very thinly sliced to be palatable. Rub the garlic clove around the inside of a wooden bowl. Add the mustard powder and lemon juice. Mix until the mustard powder dissolves. Add the anchovy and combine well. Add the oil, mixing all the while. Add the peas, asparagus and pea shoots and toss in the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste and toss with the Parmesan cheese. NOTE: I prefer whole anchovies cured in salt, which you can find in Italian markets. Soak them for 10 minutes to remove the salt, then rinse and fillet them. You don’t have to remove all the bones, just the spine.

Red, White and Blue Fruit Salad

Red, White and Blue Fruit Salad

Red, White and Blue Fruit Salad

 

2 cups red fruit

2 cups white fruit

2 cups blue fruit

2 T. mango syrup

1 1/2 T. lime juice

1/2 tsp. poppyseeds

 

Rinse any berries and pat dry with a paper towel, transfer to a mixing bowl. For any larger pieces of fruit, like watermelon, slice into 1/4″ thick slices and use the cutter to make star-shaped pieces. If you don’t have a star shaped cutter, cut the fruit into 1/2″ dice and add it to the bowl with berries. In a small bowl, combine the mango syrup, lime juice and poppyseeds and stir to combine. Pour the dressing over the fruit salad and toss to combine. Serve.

Little Gem Lettuce with Mixed Seed Sprinkle

Little Gem Lettuce with Mixed Seed Sprinkle

Little Gem Lettuce with Mixed Seed Sprinkle

 

2 little gems or 1 romaine heart, leaves separated

1/4 c. Creamy Salad Dressing (below)

1 T. Mixed Seed Sprinkle

Flaky sea salt (such as Maldon) and freshly ground black pepper

 

1/2 c. full-fat plain yogurt

1/4 c. mayonnaise

2 T. fresh lemon juice

2 scallions, thinly sliced

1 clove garlic, grated, pressed, or finely chopped

Kosher salt and freshly black pepper

Whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, scallions, and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a resealable jar or container and refrigerate up to 1 week. Cook sunflower, sesame, and fennel seeds in hot oil in a small skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until fragrant and golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and season with salt. Cool completely before storing. Seeds will keep in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 1 month. Arrange half of lettuce in a single layer on a large platter. Top with half of dressing and seeds. Season with salt and pepper. Repeat with remaining leaves, dressing, and seeds. Season with salt and pepper.

Burrata Cheese with Heirloom Tomatoes

Burrata Cheese with Heirloom Tomatoes

Burrata Cheese with Heirloom Tomatoes

 

6 Burrata Cheese balls 2.2oz each

5 large Heirloom tomatoes, about 3.5 pounds

1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1 cup baby organic arugula

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

Sea Salt & fresh ground pepper to taste

Balsamic Vinegar

 

Cut tomatoes into wedges and place in a medium bowl. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper and balsamic vinegar and toss well. On a salad plate place some arugula in the center. Place one whole Burrata ball on top of the Arugula. Spread the tomato wedges around the burrata and Arugula on the plate. Garnish with Balsamic Glaze.

 

Glaze

 

2 cups good balsamic vinegar

1-1/2 tsp. of light honey or light brown sugar

1 bay leaf

 

In medium sauce pan combine vinegar, honey or brown sugar. Simmer on low for about 20 minutes, until it reduces to about 1/2 cup. Let cool. It will thicken as it cools. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and add more sweetness if desired. This glaze can be stored in a container in the fridge for up to 6 months. Put in a plastic squeeze bottle to have on hand when needed.

Garden Fresh Pasta Salad

Garden Fresh Pasta Salad

Garden Fresh Pasta Salad

 

3/4 cup (105 g) cooked pasta

2 tsp. (30 g) Homemade Pesto

1/4 cup (56 g) fresh baby spinach, chopped if desired

1/4 cup (38 g) cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 carrot, grated, optional

1/2 C. thinly sliced red onion

1 tsp. grated Parmesan cheese

 

Mix all ingredients in a bowl until the pesto is thoroughly distributed.

Spring Salad with Ramps and Herbs

Spring Salad with Ramps and Herbs

Spring Salad with Ramps and Herbs

 

1 bunch ramps

Handful sugar-snap peas

Handful lovage

Several sprigs tarragon

Several sprigs dill

Sage flower (or other edible herb flowers)

Salt

Olive oil

Cured egg yolk, grated

 

Cut the roots off the ramps and wash them, along with the peas and herbs. I like to cut a few of the snap peas lengthwise to open them up, but you don’t have to. Toss the ramps, peas, herbs and flowers together. Sprinkle with salt and a few drops of olive oil and a generous amount of egg yolk. Serve with fish or poultry.

Arriba! Pasta Salad

Arriba! Pasta Salad

Arriba! Pasta Salad

8oz penne pasta

2 cups frozen corn

15oz can black beans, drained & rinsed

1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, halved OR 1 can fire roasted tomatoes, drained

4oz can sliced black olives

½ cup cheddar cheese, finely shredded

 

1/3 cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)

2 T. lime juice

2 T. Arriba Seasoning

 

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse. Set aside. In a large bowl, whisk all the dressing items until well combined. Toss in pasta on top of dressing. Then add corn, black beans, tomatoes, olives, and cheese. Using two large spoons, combine all ingredients in the bowl until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Best Spring Salad

Best Spring Salad

Best Spring Salad

 

12 spears asparagus

1 T. olive oil

salt and black pepper to taste

¾ cup quinoa assorted

1 head lettuce approx. 4 cups, torn or chopped

1 cup strawberries halved

edible flowers and fresh mint for garnish, optional

 

Start by preparing the asparagus. Cut off the thick, tough ends of the spears. Then, cut the asparagus into 2-inch pieces. Spread them on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast at 375 F for about 15 minutes until the asparagus is tender. Use this time to prepare the rest of the ingredients and the dressing. Toss the lettuce, strawberries, and quinoa together in a mixing bowl. Once the asparagus is ready, plate the salad, add asparagus and drizzle some dressing (if using). Garnish with flowers and fresh mint, and enjoy!

Spring Salad with Lemon, Mint, and Peas

Spring Salad with Lemon, Mint, and Peas

Spring Salad with Lemon, Mint, and Peas

 

About 4 Cups Chopped Escarole and/or Baby Arugula

3 Cup Thin Asparagus (about 1 bunch, bottom ends removed)

2 Cups Sliced English Cucumber

8 oz Sugar Snap Peas (sliced and chopped)

1 ½ Cups Quartered Artichoke Hearts (1 can, drained and rinsed)

1 Cup Thinly Sliced Radishes

½ Cup Chopped Fresh Mint Leaves

lemon vinaigrette:

¼ Cup Fresh Lemon Juice (about 2 large lemons)

¼ Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

⅓ Cup Chopped Scallions

1 Tsp Minced Garlic

Zest of 1 Lemon (optional)

Salt and Cracked Black Pepper (to taste)

 

Chop and slice all your veggies before adding them to a large serving bowl. In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the lemon vinaigrette ingredients until combined. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad in the bowl and toss well to coat. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge to marinate and soften until ready to serve.

 

Summer Corn and Bacon Pasta

Summer Corn and Bacon Pasta

Summer Corn and Bacon Pasta

 

12 oz whole wheat rotini pasta

3 ears corn

9 slices center cut bacon, chopped

1 sweet onion, chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup low-sodium chicken broth

¾ cup heavy cream

¾ tsp. salt

1 (1-oz) pkg fresh basil, torn

 

Cook pasta according to package directions. Cut kernels from cobs; discard cobs. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat 6 to 8 minutes or until crisp. Drain, reserving 2 T. drippings in skillet. Cook corn and onion in hot drippings 6 minutes or until browned and tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute or until fragrant. Stir in broth, cream, and salt; cook 3 minutes or until thickened. Add pasta and basil, stirring to coat. Sprinkle with bacon.

Homemade Taco Bowls

Homemade Taco Bowls

Homemade Taco Bowls

 

1 1/2 lbs. lean ground beef

 

1 T. chili powder

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. paprika

1 1/2 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

 

1 15 oz. can black beans drained and rinsed

1 15 oz. can whole corn drained

pico de gallo garnish

avocado garnish

cheddar cheese grated

cilantro garnish

brown rice approx. 1 1/2 cups per serving

 

Brown ground beef in a large skillet.  Mix together seasonings and sprinkle over meat.  Stir to incorporate.  Simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add cooked rice to individual serving bowl.

Top with ground beef mixture.  Add toppings – pico, avocado, cheese, corn, black beans, and cilantro.

Easy Taco Bowls

Easy Taco Bowls

Easy Taco Bowls

 

1 lb ground beef

1 (1-oz) envelope taco seasoning mix

2 T. water

1 (12-oz) pkg frozen cauliflower rice

2 green onions, chopped

3 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1½ cups shredded Cheddar cheese

½ cup fresh salsa

1 cup diced or sliced avocado

 

Cook beef in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat 8 minutes or until no longer pink. Add taco seasoning and water, stirring to combine. Cook 2 minutes or until slightly thickened. Cook cauliflower rice according to package directions. Stir onions into cauliflower rice. Arrange lettuce in 4 bowls. Top with cauliflower mixture, beef mixture, cheese, salsa, and avocado.

Ginger-Lime Dressing

Ginger-Lime Dressing

Ginger-Lime Dressing

 

1/2 cup peanut or other cooking oil

1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar

1/4 cup lime juice

2 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. ground ginger

1/2 tsp. soy sauce

 

Whisk together the ingredients until thickened.

Zesty Lemon Mint Turmeric Dressing

Zesty Lemon Mint Turmeric Dressing

Zesty Lemon Mint Turmeric Dressing

 

2 T. vinegar, ( tarragon or white wine vinegar)

1/4 C.+ 1 T. olive oil

3 T. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. mustard, (hot english mustard OR Dijon mustard)

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

9 mint leaves ( or 1 full branch ),, finely chopped

1 tsp. dried parsley

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

1/2 tsp. ground turmeric

 

Put all of the ingredients into a medium sized bowl and whisk until the mixture thickens.

Miner’s Lettuce, Potato and Bacon Salad with Buttermilk Chive Dressing

Miner’s Lettuce, Potato and Bacon Salad with Buttermilk Chive Dressing

Miner’s Lettuce, Potato and Bacon Salad with Buttermilk Chive Dressing

 

1-1/2 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes, unpeeled

Salt

4 slices pepper bacon

1 bunch miner’s lettuce, separated into single leaves, tough bottom stems discarded (about 2 cups)

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 T. lemon juice

3 T. finely chopped chives

2 T. thinly sliced cornichons or pickles

1 T. capers

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Place the potatoes in a medium sauce pan. Add 6 cups of cold water (or enough to cover by 2 inches). Bring to a boil, add 2 tsp. salt, and cook until tender and a paring knife slides easily into the potatoes without resistance, 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of the potatoes. Drain. When cool enough to handle but still warm, peel the potatoes and cut them into 1/2-inch slices. Place the potatoes in a large serving bowl. Cook the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate in the microwave or in a frying pan until crisp. Crumble the bacon and add it to the potatoes along with the miner’s lettuce. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, lemon juice, chives, cornichons, and capers. Toss with the potatoes with the miners lettuce and dressing. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm or room temperature.

Pad Thai Daikon Noodles

Pad Thai Daikon Noodles

Pad Thai Daikon Noodles

 

1 daikon (peeled, spiralized)

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

1 persian cucumber or 1/2 a seedless cucumber (sliced into 1/4″ rounds)

 

1/4 C. unsalted peanuts (chopped)

1-2 T. cilantro/coriander leaves

fresh lime wedges (to serve)

 

For the Dressing:

 

2 T. extra virgin olive oil

2 T. low-sodium tamari

juice of 1/2 a lime

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

1-2 garlic cloves (minced)

1” fresh ginger (peeled and grated)

1 shallot or 1/8 red onion (peeled and finely chopped)

1 small red chili (seeds removed, finely chopped)

1/8 tsp. of sea salt

 

In a small bowl, mix the dressing ingredients and set aside. Spiralize or julienne the daikon into thin noodles with a mandolin. Heat the remaining oil In a frying pan. Add the daikon noodles (doodles!) and sauté them for 6-8 minutes to soften, add a splash of water if it’s looking too dry. When complete, transfer to a serving dish and toss with the dressing to coat evenly. Top with cucumber slices, peanuts, and cilantro to serve.

Roasted Pepper Salad

Roasted Pepper Salad

Roasted Pepper Salad

4 assorted bell peppers (preferably red, yellow, and orange)

 

2 tsp. balsamic vinegar

2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme

1 T. drained bottled capers, coarsely chopped

1 bunch arugula (1/4 lb), tough stems discarded

 

Preheat broiler. Put bell peppers on rack of broiler pan about 5 inches from heat and broil, turning occasionally with tongs, until skins are blackened, about 15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and let stand, covered, until cool enough to handle. Peel peppers over bowl (to catch any liquid) and discard stems and seeds. Cut peppers lengthwise into 1-inch-thick strips and add to liquid in bowl with vinegar, thyme, and capers. Add salt and pepper to taste and toss. Divide arugula among 4 plates. Top with peppers and drizzle with any remaining dressing. Serve at room temperature or chilled.

Lemony Turmeric Dressing

Lemony Turmeric Dressing

Lemony Turmeric Dressing

 

1 C. yogurt

2 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 T. fresh lemon juice

zest from one lemon

1 large clove garlic, minced

1½ tsp. ground turmeric

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Add all of the ingredients to the pitcher of your high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add additional lemon juice or a little water to thin the dressing, as desired. Add sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking.

Warm Winter Vegetable Salad with Halloumi (Sheet Pan)

Warm Winter Vegetable Salad with Halloumi (Sheet Pan)

Warm Winter Vegetable Salad with Halloumi

 

5 T. extra-virgin olive oil, divided

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1½ tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. Aleppo-style pepper

½ small head of red cabbage (about 10 oz.), cut into 1″ pieces

1 medium red onion, cut into 8 wedges through root end

1½ lb. winter squash, preferably delicata, halved, seeds removed, sliced crosswise ½” thick

1 large pita bread, split into 2 layers, cut or torn into 1½”–2″ pieces

8 oz. Halloumi cheese, cut into 1″ pieces

2 T. apple cider vinegar

1½ tsp. ground sumac

Mint sprigs (for serving)

 

Preheat oven to 425°. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with 1 Tbsp. oil. Mix garlic, salt, Aleppo-style pepper, and 3 Tbsp. oil in a large bowl. Add cabbage, onion, and squash and toss to coat. Spread out on prepared baking sheet (keep bowl handy) and roast until squash is browned underneath, 25–30 minutes. Toss pita, Halloumi, and remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in reserved bowl. Scatter over vegetables, then turn vegetables over with a large spatula. Roast until squash is fork-tender and cabbage, onion, pita, and Halloumi are browned in spots (cheese should be soft inside), 15–20 minutes. Remove from oven and drizzle with vinegar. Top with sumac and mint.

Sweet Lemon Vinaigrette

Sweet Lemon Vinaigrette

Sweet Lemon Vinaigrette

 

2 medium cloves Garlic, peeled and crushed

Juice from 1 Meyer Lemon, about ½ cup

1 tablespoon grainy Dijon Mustard

1 tablespoons fruity Olive Oil

1 tablespoon dried Oregano

 

In a large bowl, whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients, set aside.

Spiced Lavender Scented Citrus Salad

Spiced Lavender Scented Citrus Salad

Spiced Lavender Scented Citrus Salad

 

¼ cup sugar (I used turbinado raw sugar)

½ cup water

1 star anise

3 whole cloves

3 whole allspice

⅛ teaspoon dried red pepper flakes

Lavender leaves and flowers (optional)

3 cups assorted citrus fruit (I used pink grapefruit, grapefruit and navel oranges)

 

Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.  Add the star anise, whole cloves, whole allspice, dried red pepper flakes and lavender leaves if available.  Boil for 2 minutes, watching carefully so as not to burn.  Remove from heat and let cool.  Peel the citrus fruit, removing all the pith and seeds.  Cut into bite-size pieces and place in a glass bowl; pour spiced syrup over all, stir to mix. Cover tightly and refrigerate for several hours.  Serve in a clear bowl to show off the pretty colors.  Garnish with fresh lavender flowers.

Jicama and Melon Salad

Jicama and Melon Salad

Jicama and Melon Salad

 

2 cups thin slivers jicama (to be extra, you can slice it thinly and cut with small veggie cutter into shapes)

2 cups cubed honeydew melon

3 T. fresh lime juice

3 T. chopped fresh mint leaves

1 tsp. lime zest

2 tsp. honey

 

Toss together the jicama, honeydew, lime juice, mint, lime zest, and honey in a bowl; cover. Refrigerate 2 hours.

Mushroom Potato Salad with White Beans

Mushroom Potato Salad with White Beans

Mushroom Potato Salad with White Beans

 

1 lb. small white or Yukon gold potatoes, quartered

8 oz. mushrooms, preferably cremini, quartered

2 T. olive oil

4-oz. jar roasted red bell peppers (water-packed), drained and chopped

2 small cloves garlic, very thinly sliced

1 T. cider vinegar

1 cup canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

 

In medium saucepan, combine potatoes and enough cold water to cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain, cool slightly, then cut potatoes in half. Transfer to large bowl. Meanwhile, preheat broiler. In medium bowl, combine mushrooms, 1 Tbs. oil, 1/8 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. freshly ground pepper. Place on broiler pan and cook, turning occasionally, until nicely colored and tender, about 6 minutes. Set aside. In small saucepan, combine peppers, garlic and remaining 1 Tbs. oil. Cook gently over medium-low heat, stirring, 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar, 1/8 tsp. salt and 1/8 tsp. freshly ground pepper. Add beans, basil, reserved mushrooms and red pepper mixture to potatoes and toss gently. Serve at room temperature.

Egg & Bacon Salad

Egg & Bacon Salad

Egg & Bacon Salad

 

8 Perfect 7-Minute Eggs

8 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 T. Dijon mustard

1 T. apple cider vinegar

2 tsp. maple syrup

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1 large head romaine lettuce, or 2 small heads Bibb lettuce, leaves separated and torn into big pieces Kosher salt

Freshly ground black pepper

 

If your eggs have been in the fridge, peel them and put them in a large bowl of lukewarm water to let them come to room temperature while you cook the bacon. (Change out the water if it gets too cold). Dry the eggs with a clean kitchen towel and slice them in half. Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it’s crispy and a good amount of fat has rendered, about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel–lined plate. In a small bowl, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, and maple syrup. Keep whisking while you stream in the olive oil. In a large bowl, toss the romaine with 2 T. of the maple vinaigrette. Divide the romaine among four shallow bowls. Divide the bacon among the bowls and put four egg halves on each salad. Season each egg half with a little kosher salt. Grind a generous amount of pepper over each salad and serve with extra vinaigrette on the side. Alternatively, pack the undressed salads into four separate containers, and take to work with a bit of dressing on the side.

Fennel And Jicama Salad

Fennel And Jicama Salad

Fennel And Jicama Salad

 

1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not packed in oil)

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

3/4 tsp. flaky sea salt, or to taste

1 tsp. pink peppercorns, lightly crushed with your fingers, plus more for garnish

1 large fennel bulb, halved, cored and thinly sliced, fronds reserved

1 small jicama (about 1 1/4 pounds), peeled, halved and cut into thin matchsticks

1 small cucumber, peeled and chopped

1/3 cup black olives, pitted and sliced

1 ounce Feta cheese, crumbled

coarsely cracked black pepper

 

Place the sun-dried tomatoes in a small bowl and add hot water to cover. Set aside for about 20 minutes, then drain and thinly slice them. Meanwhile, in a small, lidded jar, combine the oil, lemon juice, salt, and pink peppercorns. Cover and shake until emulsified. Finely chop the fennel fronds to make ¼ cup and set aside. In a large bowl, combine the fennel, jicama, cucumber, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Stir in the fennel fronds and cheese, finish with a little salt, a couple of grinds of pepper, and a sprinkling of pink peppercorns lightly crushed between your fingers. Spoon into bowls and serve.

Offbeat Eats Hearts of Palm Salad

Offbeat Eats Hearts of Palm Salad

Offbeat Eats Hearts of Palm Salad

 

2 C. hearts of palm, drained

2 plum tomatoes, seeded and diced

2 slightly firm avocados

½ C. thinly sliced Scallions, optional

3 T. extra virgin olive oil

2 T. distilled white vinegar or fresh lime juice

1 tsp. kosher salt

1½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 T. finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish

 

Slice the hearts of palm into ½-inch pieces if not precut. Place them in a small mixing bowl and add the tomatoes.  Carefully spoon out the insides of the avocados, discarding the pits. Dice the avocado flesh and add it to the bowl. Add the scallions, if using.  Combine the olive oil, vinegar or lime juice, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl and whisk together to form a vinaigrette. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and fold in gently until the vegetables are thoroughly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with the cilantro.

Shoepeg Corn Salad

Shoepeg Corn Salad

Shoepeg Corn Salad

 

½ cup mayonnaise

3 small green onions, thinly sliced

2 T. white wine vinegar

2 T. minced pickled jalapeno peppers

2 T. minced fresh parsley

1 T. light olive oil

salt and ground black pepper to taste

2 (11 ounce) cans shoepeg corn, rinsed and drained

1 cup halved grape tomatoes

 

Whisk mayonnaise, green onions, vinegar, jalapeno peppers, parsley, and olive oil together in a bowl until smooth; season with salt and pepper.  Gently stir corn and tomatoes into the dressing to coat. Transfer salad to a serving dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Just Barely Basil Buttermilk Dressing

Just Barely Basil Buttermilk Dressing

Just Barely Basil Buttermilk Dressing

 

1/2 C. roughly chopped (1/2 to 1 inch) basil stems (a few errant leaves are fine, too)

1/2 C. buttermilk

1 medium-size garlic clove, grated on a Microplane or very finely minced

2 T. mayonnaise

2 T. plain Greek yogurt

Fine-grain sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Combine the basil stems and buttermilk in a small bowl and let steep, covered, in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours. Strain and discard the basil stems. Combine 1/4 C. of the infused buttermilk, the garlic, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, a pinch of sea salt, and a few grinds of pepper in a small bowl or glass jar. Shake to combine. Season to taste and thin with extra buttermilk if desired. This dressing will keep up to 3 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

Shredded Kale Salad with Pine Nuts, Currants, and Parmesan

Shredded Kale Salad with Pine Nuts, Currants, and Parmesan

Shredded Kale Salad with Pine Nuts, Currants, and Parmesan

2 tablespoons currants

2 tablespoons golden or white balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon honey

5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 bunch kale, thick stems discarded, leaves cut into 1/2-inch ribbons (about 2 quarts loosely packed ribbons)

3 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted

2 ounces Parmesan cheese shaved with a vegetable peeler

 

Place currants and balsamic vinegar in medium microwave-safe bowl and cook in the microwave for 30 seconds to plump up the currants. Whisk in the honey. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper. In a large bowl, toss the kale and pine nuts. Add the dressing with the currants to the shredded kale, little by little, until adequately dressed. Spoon out the currants if you have dressing left over. Return salad to refrigerator for at least 20 minutes and up to overnight to soften kale leaves. Serve, topped with grated parmesan.

Radish Salad

Radish Salad

Radish Salad

 

About 12 radishes, thinly sliced

1 T. salt

¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 T. fresh lime juice

1 T. orange juice

Ground Urfa or other mild chilies to taste (optional)

2 T. chopped mint or cilantro

 

Combine radishes with salt, and cover with water in a bowl. Let sit 15 minutes. Drain, and rinse. Meanwhile, stir together the pepper and fruit juices. Toss radishes with dressing and chilies. Taste. Add more salt, pepper or lime juice as needed. Garnish with herb and serve.

Butter Lettuce Salad with Citrus Honey Vinaigrette

Butter Lettuce Salad with Citrus Honey Vinaigrette

Butter Lettuce Salad with Citrus Honey Vinaigrette

 

For the Dressing

2 1/2 T. lemon juice plus the zest of one lemon (zest before juicing)

2 T. lime juice plus the zest of 1 lime (zest before juicing)

1 T. honey

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

Sea salt (I recommend Maldon) or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

6 T. canola oil

For the Salad

3 heads butter lettuce (also called Bibb, Boston or living lettuce)

1/2 cup fresh tarragon leaves, roughly chopped

 

Make the Dressing: Whisk lemon juice and zest, lime juice and zest, honey, and Dijon in a small bowl. Slowly drizzle in the oil, whisking constantly, to emulsify the dressing. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Set aside. Make the Salad: Cut the root end off the lettuces and gently wash and dry the leaves. I like to rinse leaves separately, under the tap, and spin them dry in my salad spinner. Tear the larger leaves into smaller pieces. Pile leaves into a large bowl. Sprinkle in the tarragon and toss it gently with the lettuce. Just before serving, toss the salad with just enough dressing to coat. Serve immediately.

Spiral Pasta Salad with Marjoram Vinaigrette

Spiral Pasta Salad with Marjoram Vinaigrette

Spiral Pasta Salad with Marjoram Vinaigrette

 

1 package (12 ounces) spiral pasta

3 plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped

1 medium green pepper, chopped

1 small onion, thinly sliced

1 can (2-1/4 ounces) sliced ripe olives, drained

 

3 T. white wine vinegar

2 T. honey

1 T. minced fresh marjoram or 1 tsp. dried marjoram

1-1/2 tsp. minced fresh basil or 1/2 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

3/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. pepper

1/2 cup olive oil

 

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine pasta, tomatoes, green pepper, onion and olives. In a small bowl, combine vinegar, honey, marjoram, basil, mustard, salt and pepper. Gradually whisk in oil. Pour over pasta mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Hunan Bean Sprout Salad

Hunan Bean Sprout Salad

Hunan Bean Sprout Salad

 

2 T. Sesame seeds

1 pound Fresh bean sprouts thoroughly washed and drained

3 md Garlic cloves peeled and minced

2 md Scallions −− trimmed & minced

1 1″ cube ginger peeled and minced

2 T. Oriental sesame oil

1/3 cup Soy sauce

2 T. Cider vinegar

1 T. Mirin (sweet rice wine)

2 tsp. Light brown sugar

1 tsp. Spicy sesame oil or Chinese chili oil

 

Fresh bean sprouts are a must for this recipe from China’s Hunan province. The canned variety don’t have the requisite crispness. Keep a close eye on the toasting sesame seeds so they don’t burn.  PREHEAT OVEN TO 300F. Toast the sesame seeds by spreading them over the bottom of a pie tin. Roast for 12−to−16 minutes, stirring often, until they are golden. The seeds can be toasted in advance and stored in an airtight container. Place the bean sprouts in a large heatproof bowl and set it aside. In a medium−size skillet set over moderately low heat, stir−fry the garlic, scallions and ginger in the oil for 2 to 3 minutes, until they are limp. Add all the remaining ingredients, increase the heat to moderate, then boil the mixture, uncovered, for 1 minute to slightly reduce the liquid. Pour the boiling dressing over the bean sprouts, toss well, then cover the bowl and chill the salad for several hours. Toss again before serving.

Purslane Salad with Hot Bacon Vinaigrette and Garlic Croutons

Purslane Salad with Hot Bacon Vinaigrette and Garlic Croutons

Purslane Salad with Hot Bacon Vinaigrette and Garlic Croutons

This salad has absolutely everything going for it: flavor, price, omega-3, weeding.  With smoky bacon, garlic, and the crunch of the purslane, it’s simply scrumptious.  With the deliciousness comes the bonus of frugality.  In the late spring you’ll begin to see wild and free purslane in vacant lots, gardens and farmland.  The rampant beast that purslane can become still has small tender clusters of leaves at the tips in late May.  Harvest some of this succulent green and head right back for more tender tips as they grow back with weedy restlessness.

 

5 strips applewood smoked bacon

3 T. extra virgin olive oil

¾ cup cubed ciabatta-style bread (½-inch cubes)

¾ tsp. kosher salt

¼ tsp. plus a pinch freshly ground black pepper

2 medium shallots, finely minced

1 garlic clove, finely minced

1 ½ T. sherry vinegar

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

½ tsp. sugar

1 pound purslane, tips and larger leaves only (5 to 6 C. loosely packed), cleaned

 

Position rack in the center of the oven.  Preheat the oven to 350º.  Place the bacon in a cold sauté pan over medium heat.  Slowly cook the bacon until golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes, turning once.  Remove the bacon with tongs or a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined baking sheet.  Take 1 tsp. of the bacon fat and put it in a small bowl.  Leave the remaining bacon fat in the pan to finish the salad.  (There should be about 2 T..) Slice the bacon strips into ¼-inch pieces. Set aside.  Whisk 1 T. of the oil into the bacon fat in the bowl.  Add the bread cubes, tossing to coat evenly with the oil and bacon fat.  Season with ¼ tsp. of the salt and the pinch of pepper.  Spread the bread in a single layer on another baking sheet and bake until crisp and golden brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Set aside to cool.  Add the remaining 2 T. oil to the bacon fat in the sauté pan and place over medium heat.  When the fat mixture is hot but not smoking, add the shallots and garlic and cook until tender and softened, 3 to 4 minutes.  Whisk in the vinegar, mustard, sugar, the remaining ¼ tsp. salt, and the remaining ¼ tsp. pepper.  When the mixture is hot and bubbling, add the purslane. Stir quickly to coat the greens evenly with the dressing and just warm them.  This should take no more than 30 seconds, or the purslane will start to lose its fresh, tender crunch.  Remove from the heat. Sprinkle with some of the bacon and croutons. Serve immediately.