Ah summer. When I was a kid summer was THE BEST. School was out, the weather was great, there were more things to do and everyone had plenty of time. I grew up in Michigan, and summer was definitely my favorite time of year. I remember swimming and bonfires and camping and FOOD. It was magical. We even ate differently in the summer. Fresh fruits and vegetables were plentiful, whereas they really weren't even available throughout the rest of the year.

As I grew older I somehow lost that summer magic. I moved to southern California with my husband and 3 kids, and summer became just another season, so much like the other seasons. I did my best to create the magic while my kids were young, but by the time they were grown it was gone.

Last year I caught myself dreading summer, and actually heard myself saying the words, "I hate summer." I realized it was time for an intervention. I made a "Summer To Do List" and forced myself to get out there and have fun. I went to the beach, enjoyed Shakespeare in the park, picnicked, swam, watched movies under the stars and ate homemade lavender ice cream AND recruited lots of friends and family to do it all with me. Summer was back! It was such a valuable lesson, as I learned that I have to continue to create my life, my fun.

So as June 21st approaches I've started my new Summer To Do List. I really don't need it anymore, but I'll keep it there as a reminder to create, to enjoy, to have fun.

This blog is part of that. Those of you who know me know that I love good food, and I love to share it with people I love. In an effort to try new things and eat healthily, I've challenged myself to make and share 60 Salads of Summer. My daughter Danica, who is a very creative cook, is helping me. And we're looking forward to sharing the fruits of our labor. I can't promise they'll all be healthy, but I can promise they'll all be delicious. Enjoy!

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

23. Salad Bar





















This salad is a good solution for those times when you really just don’t feel like coming up with another idea for a salad.  It’s a crowd pleaser, and your options are limitless.

I tend to keep it along a mediterranean theme, but really you can do whatever you like.  Keep ingredients complementary.  Combine fresh ingredients with marinated, and add a protein or two.  Cheese, nuts and beans work well.  Here’s what I used:

6 oz herb greens (one bag)

cherry tomatoes (baby heirlooms), cut in half
persian or baby seedless cucumbers, chopped
garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 red onion, sliced
blueberries
haas avocado, chopped
marinated sundried tomatoes
marinated artichoke hearts
greek kalamata olives
feta cheese

Directions:  I think you can figure it out!

I made a pomegranate vinaigrette to go with this.  It was delicious, and went well with these ingredients.  Again, use a dressing that complements the ingredients you've chosen.   

Pomegranate Vinaigrette

1/3 cup olive oil
1/3 cup pomegranate balsamic vinegar
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 Tbsp honey
1/2 tsp each sea salt and freshly ground pepper

I used my nutribullet on this and it was very well combined, and the consistency of honey, not oily at all.  You can use a blender or food processor, put it in a jar with a lid and shake, or simply whisk it all together.  






















Pomegranate balsamic vinegar can be purchased from Ojai Olive Oil Company in Ojai, CA.  Visit their website at ojaioliveoil.com.



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