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!

Monday, August 4, 2014

38. Spinach Basil Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette
















Sometimes the best salads are those that are entirely impromptu.  Tonight’s salad was one of those.  I had leftover spinach to use up, and my basil plant needed trimming.  I’ve never thought to try it before, but baby spinach and basil leaves are a great combination in a salad.  Spinach is one of those greens that doesn’t have a lot of flavor on its own, and basil is packed with flavor.  So together they work beautifully.  Throw in some crunch and sweetness from candied pecans, some color and tart from the pomegranate seeds and some saltiness from the fresh parmesan, and you have a wonderful summer salad.

I made a pomegranate vinaigrette to go with this and it was fabulous.  If you don’t have pomegranate balsamic vinegar you can substitute a good quality aged balsamic and it’ll still be good.

Ingredients

4 cups baby spinach
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup candied pecans
1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup grated fresh parmesan cheese

Pomegranate Vinaigrette

1/4 cup olive oil
3 Tbsp pomegranate balsamic vinegar (or good, aged balsamic)
1 Tbsp honey
1 tsp dijon mustard
sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste


Blend the dressing.  Toss the greens into a wide, shallow bowl.  Distribute the pecans, cheese and pomegranate seeds.  Drizzle lightly with dressing.  Serve immediately

Serves 6

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