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Category: Salads & Dressings

Asparagus, Pecorino and Red Onion Salad

Asparagus, Pecorino and Red Onion Salad

 

1 bunch pencil asparagus, tough bottom stems removed

1 small red onion, finely diced

1 cup coarsely grated aged pecorino

1/2 cup red wine vinegar

Extra-virgin olive oil

Kosher salt

 

Cut the asparagus, including the tips into very thin slices, crosswise and place in a medium bowl. Add the red onion and pecorino and toss to combine. Dress with the vinegar, olive oil and salt and toss again. This salad should be fairly heavily dressed. The vinegar will sort of “cook” or tenderize the asparagus.  It is best to do this about an hour or so in advance to let the flavors “marry”.  Semplice!

Curried Chicken and Mango Salad

Curried Chicken and Mango Salad

1 (about 2 pounds) store-bought rotisserie chicken

1/4 C. plain low-fat yogurt

1/4 C. reduced-fat mayonnaise

2 T. mango chutney, chopped

1 T. fresh lime or lemon juice

1 tsp. curry powder

1 ripe large mango, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch dice

1 medium stalk celery, cut into 1/4-inch dice

1 medium Granny Smith apple, cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice

1/2 C. loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

1 head Boston lettuce, rinsed, drained, and separated into leaves

 

Remove skin from chicken; discard. With fingers, pull chicken meat into 1-inch pieces. (You should have about 3 C. or about 3/4 pound meat.) In large bowl, stir together yogurt, mayonnaise, chutney, lime juice, and curry powder until combined. Stir in chicken, mango, celery, apple, and cilantro until well coated. Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon chicken salad onto lettuce leaves to serve.

 

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Moroccan Orange Salad with Red Onions & Black Olives

Moroccan Orange Salad with Red Onions & Black Olives

This salad from Morocco is colorful and refreshing, and perhaps unbelievably delicious. If you can be swayed by it’s somewhat unique beauty to try it (as I was), I believe you’ll return to it again and again. I quickly rinse the sliced onions to remove any of their biting sharpness. They mellow almost instantly and the flavors seem to all come together in perfect balance. 

moroccan-orange-onion-olive-salad-23 fresh navel oranges

1/2 – 1 red onion

1 handful of black olives (12 or so)

2-3 T. olive oil

Freshly squeezed juice of 1 lime

Sea salt

1 tsp. cumin seeds, roasted

1/2 tsp. Spanish smoked paprika

1 small bunch of cilantro leaves, coarsely chopped

Roast the cumin seeds on medium-low heat in a small pan. Remove from pan and set aside to cool.  Slice the onion (I generally use only 1/2 of an average size red onion) and quickly rinse the slices in a bowl of cool water to remove their bite. Drain and place them on a couple paper towels to dry. With a sharp knife, remove the peel and white pith from the orange and slice it thinly.   Place the oranges in a shallow bowl, and scatter the top with the onion and olives. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, juice of a lime, salt (to taste) and smoked paprika. Pour the dressing over the salad and then sprinkle with toasted cumin seeds and cilantro leaves.

 

 

 

Oodles of Noodles Pasta Salad

Oodles of Noodles Pasta Salad

1 bag (12 oz) rainbow rotelle pasta

1 cup cubed ham

1 1/2 cups cubed cheese (or grated)

3 cups assorted raw vegetables such as:

Broccoli

Cucumber

Green or yellow onion

Zucchini squash

Green, yellow or red peppers

Bottled Salad dressing

 

Cook pasta according to package directions. Cut ham and cheese into small cubes. Wash vegetables and chop them into small pieces. Mix all ingredients with your favorite salad dressing. Italian works great! Variation: you can substitute other favorite pasta such as macaroni, tortellini, shells, etc. tot tip: Keep the ingredients separate and let your child pick what he wants and choose whether or not he wants dressing on his

 

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Orange & Black Olive Salad

Orange & Black Olive Salad

2 sm. Oranges, peeled, sliced, pith removed
1 Green Onion, slivered
6-8 Black pitted olives
Salt and freshly ground Pepper
3-4 leaves Belgian Endive, chopped
2-3 leaves Radicchio, chopped
Dash extra virgin olive oil
Dash balsamic vinegar
Pinch fresh rosemary or oregano, chopped

Slice the oranges approximately 3/8″ thick. Remove any seeds. Arrange the slices of orange on a serving plate, overlapping in an attractive manner. Sprinkle slivered green onion and chopped black olives over oranges. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle chopped endive and radicchio over top oranges Drizzle with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and chopped herbs.

 

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Bacon Cup BLT Salad (hold the bread!)

Bacon Cup BLT Salad (hold the bread!)

Three layers of bacon wrapped around the bottom of a foil wrapped, double high muffin tin, and baked at 400F until crisp. Place a cookie sheet under the pan to catch dripping fat, and turn your muffin tin often to get an even browning and crisping. Fill the cup with a simple lettuce and tomato salad and enjoy!

baconcup

 

 

 

 

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Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette

Roasted Red Pepper Vinaigrette

This robust dressing is perfect for an entrée salad with grilled fish, shrimp or chicken.

 

½ C. Roasted, peeled, stemmed, seeded and chopped Red Bell Pepper

1 tsp. chopped Garlic

2 T. chopped Onion

2 T. chopped Tomato

2 T. Red Wine Vinegar

2 T. fresh Lime Juice

1 tsp. Salt

½ tsp. Pepper

½ tsp. Chipotle Puree

½ C. Olive Oil

 

Place all ingredients except oil in blender or food processor and blend until very smooth.  Slowly add oil in a thin stream while the blender is running, until all of the oil is incorporated and the vinaigrette is completely emulsified.  Refrigerate in air tight container for up to 3 days.

 

 

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

 

 

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Sweet Chipotle Dressing

Sweet Chipotle Dressing

This sweet-hot vinaigrette is the star ingredient in Chevy’s Smokin’ Chipotle Slaw.  For best flavor make a day ahead of time.  Makes a delicious fresh salsa when tossed with pineapple and red onion.  Use as a dressing for hearty greens such as romaine or spinach.

 

1 T. diced yellow Onion

1 T. chopped Garlic

2 T. Dijon Mustard

¼ tsp. Cumin

½ C. diced fresh Tomatoes

2 T. chopped Cilantro

2/3 C. seasoned Rice Wine Vinegar

¼ tsp. Black Pepper

1 tsp. Salt

2 T. Honey

2 T. Chipotle Puree

½ C. Olive Oil

 

Place all ingredients except oil in blender or food processor; process until very smooth.  Slowly add oil in a thin stream while the blender/processor is still running and blend until all of the oil is incorporated and the vinaigrette is completely emulsified.  This will keep in the refrigerator 3 to 5 days.

 

From Chevy’s Tex Mex Cookbook

Fast and Easy Coleslaw

Fast and Easy Coleslaw

1/2 C. mayonnaise, whipped

2 T. milk

1 T. white vinegar

1 T. sugar

1 (16-ounce) package coleslaw mix or shredded cabbage

1/2 to 1 C. shredded carrots

 

Combine mayo, milk, vinegar, and sugar in a large bowl and whisk to blend.  Add coleslaw mix and toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle shredded carrots over the top. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to overnight.

 

 

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Fiddlehead Salad with Sesame Vinaigrette

Fiddlehead Salad with Sesame Vinaigrette

 

fiddle2

4 cups of fiddleheads, cleaned and trimmed of any brown parts

 

Large bowl of ice water

 

1-1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

 

3 large green onions (scallions) cut into thin slices, white parts only – reserve some chopped green ends for garnish

 

Vinaigrette:

 

2 teaspoons rice vinegar

 

3 Tablespoons peanut oil or other neutral oil such as canola or safflower (avoid using peanut oil if there is a concern about peanut allergies)

 

½ teaspoon Asian sesame oil

 

1 Tablespoon dark sodium-reduced soy sauce

 

¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, to taste)

 

1 teaspoon sugar

 

1 clove garlic, very finely minced

 

 

 

Prepare a large bowl of ice water and set aside. Fill a saucepan with enough water to just cover 4 cups of fiddleheads and bring to a boil. Add fiddleheads and cook until just tender, about 5 minutes. Drain fiddleheads and plunge immediately into the ice water to stop cooking. Drain again and place on a dishtowel or paper towel to dry thoroughly. In a small bowl, prepare vinaigrette. Add rice vinegar, peanut oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, sugar and garlic and whisk until well combined. Place cooked fiddleheads and green onion slices in a bowl and toss with vinaigrette until dressing evenly coats the fiddleheads. Place salads on a plate and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and a sprinkling of green onion slices.

 

 

 

Fiddlehead ferns, caramelized mushrooms and dandelion Pasta Salad

Fiddlehead ferns, caramelized mushrooms and dandelion Pasta Salad

fiddle1 box of pasta

 

3 tablespoons olive oil

 

2 cloves of garlic, crushed

 

1 cup Fiddlehead ferns, tips trimmed

 

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

 

1 package button mushrooms, sliced

 

8 large dandelion leaves (about 4 inches x 2 inches), 4 roughly chopped, 4 set aside

 

1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

 

parsley for garnish

 

dressing

 

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

 

1/2 lemon, juiced

 

1/8 cup Tamari Soy Sauce

 

1 large clove garlic, crushed

 

1 tsp dijon mustard

 

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

 

Cook pasta al dente according to directions. When done, drain and set aside to cool. This salad can be served cold or warm. In a skillet, over high heat, add olive oil. When hot, add garlic and turn down to medium heat. Add mushrooms and fiddlehead ferns and cook until mushrooms are caramelized (a nice golden brown color), about 15 minutes, stirring from time to time. When the olive oil disappears add a tab of sweet butter.  Prepare the Dandelions, parsley and the cherry tomatoes, set aside In a large bowl, toss together the pasta and all ingredients, adding salt and pepper to taste.  Place pasta in a large serving bowl.  Add parsley as garnish and serve.

 

 

 

Roasted Fiddlehead BLT Salad

Roasted Fiddlehead BLT Salad

apples-fiddleheads-0151 1/2 heads romaine, clean and dry and cut into bite-sized pieces

6 slices bacon, preferably Vermont Smoke & Cure, or other good-quality

Olive oil

1 pt. grape tomatoes, cut in half

3/4 lb. fiddlehead ferns, brown ends trimmed, soaked in 1/2 water, 1/2 white vinegar for 1/2 hour

6 or 8 whole cloves of garlic, with peel

1/2 c. Jasper Hill Bayley Hazen or Bonneview Mossend Blue (Blue Cheese)

 

Place the lettuce on large dinner plates and put aside.  Cook the bacon until crisp.  Use a fork to remove from pan, and place on paper towel to remove extra fat.  Keep pan over medium heat, add tomatoes, fiddleheads, and garlic cloves with a splash of olive oil and sprinkle of kosher salt, and cook until fiddleheads are crisp tender.  (You can do this on the stovetop, or – as I did – in the oven at about 400 degrees.)  Add  tomato-fiddlehead mixture to lettuce, being sure to scrape/spoon out any juices in pan.  If desired (as I did), peel garlic cloves and add to plate.  Crumble bacon over top, add crumbled blue cheese, and serve.

 

Fiddlehead and Wild Leek Salad with Bacon

Fiddlehead and Wild Leek Salad with Bacon

8 oz fiddleheads

8 oz wild leeks (ramps)

4 slices of bacon

1 oz sliced almonds

1 T. Dijon mustard

2 fl oz white wine vinegar

5 fl oz olive oil

Salt & pepper to taste

 

Clean and wash fiddleheads and leeks. Blanch both in boiling water for 1 minute. Refresh in cold water and allow to drain Grill the bacon until crispy, then cut into small strips. Combine the mustard, vinegar and oil, season with salt and pepper, and pour over leeks and fiddleheads. Chill for two hours then serve with chopped bacon and almonds sprinkled on top.

 

 

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Shrimp Bread Salad with Golden Garlic Vinaigrette

Shrimp Bread Salad with Golden Garlic Vinaigrette

About 5 thick slices day-old country-style bread, cut into 3/4-inch cubes (about 7 C.)

3 large ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks

For the Vinaigrette:

7 T. extra-virgin olive oil

4 tsp. finely chopped garlic

1/2 teaspon Spanish or Hungarian sweet paprika

2 T. aged sherry vinegar (or red-wine vinegar)

1 T. fresh lemon juice

1 1/2 pounds large shrimp in the shell or about 42 frozen, cleaned large shrimp, defrosted

salt and freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. fresh thyme leaves

1 C. loosely packed basil leaves, cut in a chiffonade

 

FOR THE SALAD: Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Put the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until they’ve dried out and turned golden brown, 14 to 18 minutes. Remove them from the oven. When cool, combine the bread with the tomatoes in a large bowl. Set aside.  FOR THE VINAIGRETTE: Set a small, heavy skillet over low heat with 6 T. of the olive oil and the chopped garlic. Cook, stirring or shaking the pan frequently, until the garlic turns a pale gold, 6 to 7 minutes. Bear in mind that the garlic will continue to cook from the retained heat of the pan. Remove the pan from the heat, stir in the paprika, vinegar, and lemon juice. Season well with salt and pepper. Pour half of the mixture (about 1/4 C.) over the bread and tomatoes. Stir well to combine and set the remaining vinaigrette aside.  FOR THE SHRIMP: If using shrimp in the shell, peel and devein them. If using cleaned, defrosted shrimp, skip this step. Either way, dry the shrimp well with paper towels and set aside. Set a large skillet over high heat with the remaining 1 T. of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they’re just cooked through and opaque, 3 to 4 minutes; cut one in half to check. Remove the pan from the heat. Add the remaining garlic vinaigrette to the pan, stir with the shrimp, taste, and adjust seasonings, if necessary.   TO SERVE: Add the shrimp, thyme leaves, and basil to the bread and tomatoes. Toss and serve immediately.

 

 

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Marinated Mushroom Salad

Marinated Mushroom Salad

1 cup vegetable oil

2 tsp. salt

2 1/2 tsp. dry basil

2 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. pepper

1/2 tsp. paprika

5 T. white wine vinegar

4 tsp. lemon juice

2 pounds fresh mushrooms, sliced

1 1/2 cups thinly sliced green onions (green tops included)

1 quart cherry tomatoes, washed and stems removed

 

In a large bowl suitable for marinating, (glass, stainless steel or ceramic) whisk the oil, salt, basil, mustard, pepper, paprika, white wine vinegar and lemon juice. Mix in mushrooms and green onions. Cover, marinate for one hour at room temperature, stirring occasionally. Just before serving, fold in tomatoes, and place on bed of lettuce. Serves 8 – 12. This is a wonderful buffet dish or a take along to a potluck dinner.

Grilled Pepper and Onion Salad

Grilled Pepper and Onion Salad

6 red peppers (or a combination of red, yellow, and orange peppers)

2 medium red onions, each cut into 6 wedges

4 T. olive oil

3 T. balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. sugar

1/4 tsp. coarsely ground black pepper

2 bunches arugula (about 8 ounces)

Grilled Pepper and Onion Salad

Cut each pepper lengthwise in half; discard stems and seeds. With hand, flatten each pepper half. In bowl, toss onion wedges with 1 T. oil.  Place peppers, skin side down, with onion wedges on grill over medium heat. Cook peppers and onions 10 to 15 minutes, until pepper skins are blistered and onions are tender and golden, turning onions over once halfway through grilling. Transfer onions to plate. Wrap peppers in large sheet of foil and allow them to steam at room temperature 15 minutes or until cool enough to handle.  Remove peppers from foil. Peel off and discard skins. Cut peppers into 1/2-inch-wide slices. Transfer to plate with onions.  In small bowl, with wire whisk, mix remaining 3 T. oil with remaining ingredients except arugula until dressing is blended.  To serve, line platter with arugula; arrange peppers and onions on top and drizzle with dressing.

 

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Delicious French Bistro Vinaigrette

Delicious French Bistro Vinaigrette

vina1/4 cup red or white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1-2 tablespoons honey (taste and add second tablespoon if needed)
1 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 large shallot, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic
3 anchovy filets, chopped
pinch of Kosher salt
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
2 tablespoons chopped tarragon
1 tablespoon chopped thyme leaves
Kosher or sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Make the vinaigrette.  Finely chop the garlic together with the chopped anchovies and a pinch of kosher salt, to almost a paste.  Add to jar with a tight lid, along with the rest of the ingredients & shake vigorously.  If you’re using a bowl, add all ingredients to the bowl except the olive oil, and while whisking, slowly drizzle in olive oil.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.  You can also make the vinaigrette in a food processor, drizzling in the olive oil while the other ingredients chop, but you’ll get a thicker, creamy dressing.  Not a bad thing, your choice. If you have time, let this vinaigrette sit at room temperature for an hour or more to let the flavors meld. Even better, make it the day before. Then put it in the fridge overnight. Take it out and let come to room temperature before serving.

 

Orange-Pistachio Wild Rice Salad

Orange-Pistachio Wild Rice Salad

2/3 C. brown rice

2/3 C. wild rice

3 C. low-sodium chicken broth

1 orange, peel and pith removed, segmented and sliced (about 2/3 C.)

10 large basil leaves, sliced into ribbons (about 1/3 C.)

1/4 C. minced red onion

3 T. chopped pistachios, lightly toasted

1 tsp. finely grated orange zest

For the dressing:

1/3 C. red wine vinegar

1/4 C. olive oil

1 T. orange juice

1 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. honey

1/4 tsp. salt

 

Combine brown rice, wild rice and chicken broth in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to a simmer and cook until all water is evaporated and rice is fully cooked, about 45 to 55 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely. When rice is cool, add orange slices, basil, red onion, pistachios and orange zest; mix to incorporate. For the dressing: Combine the red wine vinegar, olive oil, orange juice, mustard, honey and salt in a metal bowl and whisk to incorporate. Pour over rice mixture and toss to incorporate.

 

Yield:  6 servings

Calories:  300

Fat:  14g

Fiber: 3g

Quick Caesar Salad Dressing

Quick Caesar Salad Dressing

1/3 C. Olive oil

2 T. Lemon juice

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. Anchovy paste, (optional)

1 Clove garlic, minced

 

Combine all ingredients; blend well.

 

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Holiday Salad

Holiday Salad

1/2 lb. Fresh Spinach

1 Red Bell Pepper

2 T. Vinegar

6 T. Olive Oil

1/4 C. Crumbled Blue Cheese

Salt and Pepper

Pull spinach stems and wash leaves well.  Tear the spinach into pieces.  Cut the pepper into long think strips. Shake the oil, vinegar, salt and pepper in a jar or cruet. Crumble the blue cheese and add it to the jar.  Pour dressing over salad and toss.

 

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Cucumber and Dill Pasta Salad

Cucumber and Dill Pasta Salad

Cucumber and Dill Pasta Salad2 C. uncooked macaroni pasta

2 C. peeled and chopped cucumber

1 C. chopped tomatoes

1 (8 ounce) carton light or non-fat sour cream

1/2 C. skim milk

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

1/2 tsp. coarse ground pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

1 T. vinegar

Cook pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water. Transfer noodles to a large bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together sour cream, milk, dill, vinegar, and salt and pepper. Set dressing aside. Mix cucumbers and tomatoes into the pasta. Pour in dressing, and mix thoroughly. Cover, and refrigerate at least 1 hour and preferably overnight. Stir just before serving.

Green Bean and Potato Salad

Green Bean and Potato Salad

3 tablespoons wine vinegar

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon olive oil
3 cups green beans, cut into 2″
pieces and steamed
1 pound boiled or steamed
potatoes, cut into 1/4″ slices
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped fresh dill

To prepare vinaigrette, whisk together vinegar, mustard, pepper and salt; then whisk in oil. Place green beans, potatoes and onion in a medium mixing bowl. Add vinaigrette and dill; toss thoroughly. Serve warm or at room temperature.

 

Orange, Pine Nuts, & Raisins Bulgur Salad

Orange, Pine Nuts, & Raisins Bulgur Salad

1 1/2 C. fine bulgur (available in most supermarkets or in natural food shops)

1 1/2 C. hot water

3 T. lemon juice

3 T. orange juice

1 T. grated orange rind

3 medium oranges

1/3 C. olive oil

4 scallions, chopped

1/3 C. chopped fresh mint leaves

1/3 C. chopped fresh parsley leaves

1/3 C. pine nuts, toasted

1/3 C. raisins

Salt and pepper, to taste

In a large bowl combine bulgur, water, lemon juice, and orange juice and rind. Tightly cover with plastic wrap and let mixture stand, at room temperature, until liquid is absorbed, about 30 minutes. Fluff mixture with a fork.  While Bulgur is soaking, with a serrated knife, cut away peel and pith from oranges. Cut sections free from membranes and add to bulgur with remaining ingredients. Season salad with salt and pepper, stirring well. Let salad stand, covered, for 30 minutes before serving.

 

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Layered Pizza Salad

Layered Pizza Salad

Layered Pizza Salad1 package (16oz) uncooked rotini pasta

2 tsp. salad supreme seasoning

1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

2 plum tomatoes, chopped

1 large green bell pepper, chopped

1 package (3.5oz) sliced pepperoni

8 oz fresh mozzarella ciliegini (cheese balls) drained, halved

3 green onions with tops, sliced (about 1/2 C.)

1/2 C. sliced pimiento-stuffed green olives

1 C. zesty Italian dressing

1/4 C. shredded parmesan cheese

 

Cook and drain pasta as directed on package. Rinse with cold water to cool; drain. In 3 to 4 quart clear bowl, layer 4 C. pasta,1 tsp. of the seasoning, the red bell pepper, tomatoes, green bell pepper, remaining 1 tsp. seasoning, the pepperoni, mozzarella, onions and olives. Pour dressing over salad; sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Refrigerate 2 hours, stir just before serving. (Made for AD BBQ; was a hit)

 

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Shaved Artichoke Salad

Shaved Artichoke Salad

8artichoke_salad baby artichokes, cleaned

Vinegar for soaking (optional)

Zest and juice of a lemon

Chunk of Parmesan

3 T. extra-virgin olive oil, more as necessary

Salt and pepper

Chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves for garnish

 

Prepare artichokes by trimming stem, cutting off pointed tips and removing tough leaves. Slice thinly with mandoline. As each artichoke is finished, drop slices into a bowl of cold water with about 10 percent vinegar or lemon juice. Slice Parmesan with mandoline, creating as many pieces as you have artichoke slices, and about the same size. Remove artichoke slices from water and dry, then toss with olive oil and 1 T. lemon juice. Sprinkle with a little salt and a fair amount of pepper, then lay Parmesan on top. Taste and add more olive oil, lemon juice, salt or pepper as needed. Garnish with herbs and lemon zest and serve.

 

 

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Avocado & Hearts of Palm Salad

Avocado & Hearts of Palm Salad

 

1 ripe avocado (diced) (Click here for a refresher on cutting an avocado)

3 hearts of palm (1 can) – sliced into 1/2cm coins

 

Vinaigrette

1/3 C. olive oil

3 T. white wine vinegar

1 tsp Dijon mustard

pinch dried oregano (if you have fresh, use that instead)

1 T. of finely chopped parsley

 

Whisk together and ingredients and set aside.  Toss avocado and hearts of palm together. Drizzle vinaigrette over top and serve.

 

 

 

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Marinated Feta and Olive Salad

Marinated Feta and Olive Salad

2 tsp. fennel seeds

2 tsp. orange zest

3 T. orange juice

1 tsp. cracked black pepper

4 ounces feta cheese, cut into 24 (1/2-inch) cubes

24 mint leaves

1/4 large English cucumber, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch chunks

12 pitted green olives, halved

Special equipment: 24 (6-inch) skewers

 

In a medium bowl combine the fennel seeds, orange zest, orange juice, and pepper. Gently stir in the feta and marinate for 1 hour or more.  To make the skewers, place a mint leaf about 3/4-inch up the skewer, then add an olive half, then a chunk of cucumber. Gently place a cube of the marinated feta on the end.

 

Yield: 6 servings

Calories:  80

Fat: 6g

Fiber: 0.5g

 

Purslane Salad with Tomatoes and Arugula

Purslane Salad with Tomatoes and Arugula

purslane4 big handfuls purslane

2 handfuls baby arugula

1 C. ripe cherry tomatoes, halved crosswise and sprinkled with salt

1/2 onion blossom, pulled apart into strands (or sub 1-2 T. finely chopped spring onion or red onion)

Nasturtium flowers for garnish (optional)

 

Good-quality extra virgin olive oil

Juice of 1/2 lemon

1 large spoonful sherry vinegar

Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

 

Pinch or cut the purslane into bite-sized pieces, discarding the bottom of the stems if they seem at all tough when you break them (if the sprigs are on the small/young side, this won’t be a problem). Wash gently and dry thoroughly in a salad spinner. Whisk about 1/4 C. olive oil or a little more together with the rest of the vinaigrette ingredients in a bowl (you want an olive oil to lemon-and-vinegar ratio of about 3:1) until they form an emulsion. Toss the purslane and arugula with the vinaigrette in a salad bowl. Scatter the tomatoes over the top and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle with the onion blossoms and a little extra black pepper, and garnish with nasturtium flowers

 

 

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Cinnamon Scented Quinoa and Smoked Chicken Salad

Cinnamon Scented Quinoa and Smoked Chicken Salad

1 cinnamon stick

1/2 tsp. salt, plus more to taste 1 C. quinoa,

1/4 C. fresh lemon juice,

2 T. olive oil

2 tsp. lemon zest, grated

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

1 tsp. ground cumin

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground turmeric

1 dash Tabasco

1/2 pound smoked chicken, or smoked turkey, cut into long, thin strips

2 celery stalk, diced

1/2 C. scallions

1/2 C. currants

2 T. pine nuts, toasted

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

 

For each C. of quinoa to be cooked, pour 2 C. of water into a medium-sized saucepan, add cinnamon stick and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat. Add quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the quinoa is tender and the liquid has been absorbed. Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Remove cinnamon stick. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, oil, lemon zest, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, turmeric and Tabasco. Add the chicken or turkey, celery, scallions, currants, pine nuts and the cooked quinoa. Toss well to combine. Season with salt and pepper. (The salad may be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and stored, covered, in the refrigerator.

 

Cold Pasta Fredda Salad

Cold Pasta Fredda Salad

1/2 lb. Spiral Noodles, cooked, chilled in cold water, and drained

¼ C. Pesto Sauce

2 Tomatoes, chopped

Black Pepper

2 Cloves Garlic, crushed

2 T. Pine Nuts

3 T. Parsley, chopped

¼ C. Olive Oil

¼ C. Lemon Juice

 

Toss all ingredients together; refrigerate before serving.

 

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Pearled Couscous Tomato and Cucumber with Mustard Dressing

Pearled Couscous Tomato and Cucumber with Mustard Dressing

2 C. couscous, cooked

1 red tomato, seeded, medium diced

1 yellow tomato, seeded, medium diced

1 English cucumber, medium diced

1 red onion, small diced

1/4 C. basil, julienned

1/2 C. extra virgin olive oil

1 C. champagne vinegar

1 T. coarse-grain mustard

Salt and pepper

 

Place all ingredients in a bowl, with the exception of the oil, vinegar, and mustard, and gently toss. In a separate bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients. Toss with the couscous and season with salt and pepper to taste.

SBD Armand Salad

SBD Armand Salad

2/3 small clove garlic

Dash salt

Pinch pepper

1/3 tsp. mayonnaise

2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

1/3 tsp. red wine vinegar (optional)

2 tsp. olive oil

1/3 head romaine lettuce, outer leaves removed, washed, dried, torn into bite-size pieces, and chilled

1/3 small head iceberg lettuce, outer leaves removed, washed, dried, torn into bite-size pieces, and chilled

2 2/3 tsp. chopped fresh parsley

1/6 sweet white onion, sliced thin

2 2/3 tsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 green bell pepper for garnish

 

To make the dressing: In a salad bowl mash the garlic, salt and pepper to a paste. Add the mayonnaise, continuing to mash until smooth. Mix in the lemon juice and vinegar, if using. Gradually whisk in the olive oil. Add the romaine and iceberg lettuce, parsley, onion, and the Parmesan. Toss gently. Pile the mixture into shallow salad bowls, sprinkle with a little Parmesan, and serve. Garnish with bell pepper, if using.

 

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Dilled Rice Salad

Dilled Rice Salad

2 T. white vinegar

1 T. lemon juice

1 T. vegetable oil

2 T. chopped fresh dill weed

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

3 C. cooked rice, cooled

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 lb. snow peas, julienned

 

Combine vinegar, lemon juice, oil, dill, salt, and pepper in a large bowl.  Add rice, red pepper, and snow peas; toss.  Serve chilled.

 

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Edamame Succotash with Shrimp

Edamame Succotash with Shrimp

succ1 1/2 C. frozen blanched shelled edamame (green soybeans)

3 bacon slices

1/2 C. chopped celery

1/4 C. chopped red onion

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, split lengthwise and cut crosswise into thin strips

2 C. fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)

3 T. white wine

1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

 

Prepare edamame according to package directions, omitting salt. Drain. Cook bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Remove from pan, reserving 1 T. drippings in pan; crumble bacon. Reduce heat to medium; add celery, onion, garlic, and jalapeño to pan; cook 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in edamame, corn, and wine; cook 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add shrimp; cook 5 minutes or until shrimp are done, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Stir in salt and pepper; sprinkle with crumbled bacon and parsley. Serve immediately.

 

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Delightful Chicken Salad

Delightful Chicken Salad

3 C. diced, cooked chicken breast

8 oz. unsweetened pineapple chunks, drained

1/4 C. minced onion

1/3 C. reduced-calorie or fat-free mayonnaise

1 C. seedless green grapes

½ tsp ground coriander

1 C. diced celery

2 T. lemon juice

1/4 tsp fresh ground pepper

Gently combine and toss all ingredients.  Serve on Lettuce Leaves, or, an English Muffin, Sourdough Bread, a Tomato, a Cantaloupe or Pineapple Half.

 

Fresh Corn and Barley Salad

Fresh Corn and Barley Salad

4 C. barley, cooked

1 C. frozen corn, thawed

1 C. green onion, sliced

½ C. red bell pepper, chopped

½ C. green bell pepper, chopped

½ lime peel, grated

2 T. lime juice

½ C. balsamic vinegar

3 T. vegetable oil

1 ½ tsp. dill weed

½ tsp. salt

 

Prepare barley according to package directions. Let cool. Combine barley, corn, onion and peppers together in a large bowl. To prepare dressing combine lime peel, juice, vinegar, oil, salt and dill in a small bowl. Whisk to blend. Pour dressing over corn mixture.  Toss well. Cover and refrigerate.

 

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Cracked Wheat Salad with Grilled Red Onion

Cracked Wheat Salad with Grilled Red Onion

1 lb. bulgur

1 large red onion, sliced into 1/4-inch slices

3 T. olive oil, divided

3 plum tomatoes, diced

1 C. finely chopped flatleaf parsley

2 T. finely chopped mint

1/4 C. fresh lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground pepper

 

Place the bulgur in a large bowl and cover with boiling water, let stand 15 minutes and drain. Brush the onion slices on both sides with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Grill on both sides until almost cooked through, remove and coarsely chop. Place the bulgur in a large bowl, add the remaining ingredients and mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve at room temperature.

 

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Crab Salad in Crisp Wonton Cups

Crab Salad in Crisp Wonton Cups

Crab Salad in Crisp Wonton CupsFor the Wonton Cups:

Cooking spray

18 wonton wrappers, thawed (if frozen)

2 tsp. canola oil

1/4 tsp. salt

For the dressing:

1 tsp. lime zest

2 T. fresh lime juice

1/4 tsp. salt

1/8 tsp. black pepper

1/2 tsp. dried hot red pepper flakes

2 T. olive oil

 

For the salad:

1/2 lb. lump crabmeat, picked over

1 stalk celery, finely diced

1/2 C. finely diced mango

1/4 C. thinly sliced scallions

2 T. coarsely chopped fresh cilantro leaves

 

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray 2 mini-muffin tins with cooking spray.  Brush the wonton wrappers with oil, and place each wrapper into a section of a mini-muffin tin. Gently press each wrapper into the tin and arrange so that it forms a cup shape. The wrapper will overlap itself and stick up out of the cups. Sprinkle with salt and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until browned and crisp. Remove from the tin and allow wrappers to cool.  Meanwhile whisk together the zest, lime juice, salt, pepper, and pepper flakes. Add the oil and whisk until well combined.  In a medium bowl, toss together the crabmeat, celery, mango, scallion and cilantro. Add dressing and toss to combine. Fill each C. with the crab salad and serve.

 

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Cashew Chicken Salad with Baked Wontons

Cashew Chicken Salad with Baked Wontons

8 egg roll wrappers

4 skinless chicken breasts, boned and defatted

2 C. shredded napa cabbage

1 C. chopped bok choy

1/4 C. chopped daikon radish

1/2 C. sliced red onion

1 C. thinly sliced carrots

1 C. broccoli florets

1/2 C. snow peas

 

Dressing:

1 T. minced ginger root

1/2 tsp. minced garlic

2 tsp. chopped cilantro

1 T. minced scallions

2 T. minced shallots

3 T. lime juice

1 1/2 T. rice vinegar

2 T. water

2 T. low-sodium tamari

2 1/2 tsp. sugar

1 T. cashew butter

6 T. minced cashews

 

Preheat oven to 350°. Lightly coat a sheet pan with canola oil. To prepare wontons, cut wrappers in half and distribute over sheet pan. Bake for 5 to 10 minutes or until light brown. Cool. Place chicken breasts in baking dish. Cover and cook in oven for 15 minutes or until juices run clear when pierced with a fork. Cool and slice. Place vegetables in a large bowl and set aside. In a mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients for dressing. Lightly toss with vegetables and divide into 4 equal portions. Top each salad with a sliced chicken breast and garnish with 4 baked wontons.

 

Lentil Salad

Lentil Salad

2 1/2 C. cooked lentils
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 shallots, chopped
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of 1 lemon 2 T. sherry vinegar
2 T. chopped sun-dried tomatoes
1/3 C. extra-virgin olive oil
1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano
Pinch ground cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste

 

For the lentil salad, place cooked lentils in a bowl. In another bowl combine garlic, shallots, lemon juice, zest, vinegar, and sun-dried tomatoes. Slowly whisk in olive oil until well blended. Season with oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper and mix well. Combine dressing with lentils and set aside to marinate.

 

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