It used to be that a salad was a preset to the main event in a meal, something to hold you over until your entrée arrived. Lettuce, a couple of tomato wedges, carrots, and maybe if you were lucky there would be a few croutons to top it off. Well times have changed, my friends, and salads are stealing away the spotlight. More and more you are seeing creative ways to make a salad a unique signature, and especially your own. From fruit to nuts, you name it, and it is showing up in salads. This is a trend that will not be going out of style anytime soon, and in my opinion will remain a staple for many years to come.
When thinking about a salad, there are a several components that comprise this dish. First the base, what is going to be your substance? Maybe iceberg, or maybe a mixture of endive, red leaf, and romaine, pick a lettuce that will be able to stand up to and complement your flavor accompaniments. Speaking of flavor the next step is to decide what is going to go along with you base. This is where your creative freedom can really be unleashed. Instead of tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots, why not make it sun dried tomatoes, artichokes, and roasted red peppers. Maybe you would like something fruitier like pears, strawberries, apples, or grapes. Toppings like nuts and seeds make an interesting and complex texture, not to mention great flavor. Trying out different cheese can also create great dimension, sharp cheddar, feta, rich and creamy blue, shaved parmesan, or aged Gouda. Instead of bacon bits, try some prosciutto of fried pancetta.
The combinations are endless, and so are the possibilities. It does not end at the salad; it also needs to be dressed. By creating refreshing homemade vinaigrettes, you can brighten any masterpiece you put together. Use this simple base recipe and you can create a great finish to any salad. Get creative; you will be surprised with what you come up with. Try adding a flavored jam instead of the honey, or herbs to enhance the savory aspect to your salad. Let me know of great salads you have created, you never know, I may ask to put it in my next cook book!
Vinaigrette
1 cup canola
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp honey
Salt & Pepper to taste
* This recipe will work with and oil & vinegar, Red wine and Canola work with the most options
Combine all of the ingredients except the oil. Once together, slowly add the oil while continuously whisking so the dressing will emulsify (blend together).
As always, Enjoy! ~ K
When thinking about a salad, there are a several components that comprise this dish. First the base, what is going to be your substance? Maybe iceberg, or maybe a mixture of endive, red leaf, and romaine, pick a lettuce that will be able to stand up to and complement your flavor accompaniments. Speaking of flavor the next step is to decide what is going to go along with you base. This is where your creative freedom can really be unleashed. Instead of tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots, why not make it sun dried tomatoes, artichokes, and roasted red peppers. Maybe you would like something fruitier like pears, strawberries, apples, or grapes. Toppings like nuts and seeds make an interesting and complex texture, not to mention great flavor. Trying out different cheese can also create great dimension, sharp cheddar, feta, rich and creamy blue, shaved parmesan, or aged Gouda. Instead of bacon bits, try some prosciutto of fried pancetta.
The combinations are endless, and so are the possibilities. It does not end at the salad; it also needs to be dressed. By creating refreshing homemade vinaigrettes, you can brighten any masterpiece you put together. Use this simple base recipe and you can create a great finish to any salad. Get creative; you will be surprised with what you come up with. Try adding a flavored jam instead of the honey, or herbs to enhance the savory aspect to your salad. Let me know of great salads you have created, you never know, I may ask to put it in my next cook book!
Vinaigrette
1 cup canola
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
2 tbsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp honey
Salt & Pepper to taste
* This recipe will work with and oil & vinegar, Red wine and Canola work with the most options
Combine all of the ingredients except the oil. Once together, slowly add the oil while continuously whisking so the dressing will emulsify (blend together).
As always, Enjoy! ~ K
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