Salads are a MUST make dish this week here in Northern California. There is a heat wave coming through pushing us up into the triple digits for several days. Today is gorgeous and so we are taking advantage of this mild weather and heading to the Farmer's Market tonight for some dinner and fun. Yesterday I made a big batch of honey balsamic vinaigrette in preparation for the heat and the many salads I have planned to make. My kids always gobble up their greens with this sweet and tangy dressing. Also a great drizzle for roasted potatoes, veggies, chicken, etc. I think we all need a good go-to balsamic vinaigrette recipe. I hope this one makes it into your kitchen soon.
Summer Salad with Homemade Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
Salad Ingredients:
-9 ounces fresh greens (I used 3 ounces each of: dinosaur kale, arugula, and baby spinach)
-1 1/2 cups peeled and chopped apple-1 cup chopped cucumber
-2/3 cup diced red onion
-2/3 cup chopped sweet orange pepper (I like the gypsy variety)*
-1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds*
-Fresh herbs for garnish (I used parsley and tarragon)
Vinaigrette Ingredients:
-1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
-3 tablespoons local honey (vegans sub with 3 tablespoons coconut nectar and maybe a drop or two of stevia to your sweet preference, perhaps maple syrup would work as a sub too)
-3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
-1/2 teaspoons salt
-1/2 teaspoon garlic granules
-1/2 teaspoon onion granules
-1 teaspoon dijon mustard
How To:
1. To a blender, add in the vinegar, honey, salt, garlic grans, and onion grans. Blend on low for 10 seconds.
2. Keep the blender running on low and drizzle in the oil very slowly.
3. Then add in the mustard. Blend on medium-high for 10 seconds.
4. Adjust salt and other flavors to taste.
Notes:
*I've included two links above to the products I use. I buy them in town, but I wanted to give you an example of what I am using.
*Omit seeds and peppers for AIP.
{affiliate links in post}
Shared on: Raw Foods Thursday, Wellness Weekend Fat Tuesday
Gorgeous salad Amber. My husband calls these dinner salads and though he didn't know what to make of them at first, he really enjoys them now. I love all the vibrantly healthy colors here! I love the bigger batch salad dressing.I'll be able to use it all week long.
ReplyDeleteYum! I'm eating so many salads lately, so this recipe comes at a great time. I didn't know you were in Northern CA...I used to live in Portland and just love that region. :-)
ReplyDeleteThis salad sounds amazing Amber- my favourite salad combinations always include apple and a mustard dressing!
ReplyDeleteoh my gosh Amber that salad looks SO GOOD!! i love the mix of crunchy ingredients! yum! Hope you had a great 4th of july!
ReplyDelete