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!

Friday, August 15, 2014

47. Arugula, Potato and Green Bean Salad

























This is a wonderful light dinner salad, all by itself, or served alongside grilled chicken or beef.  The dressing is a little tart and a little creamy, with subtle vegetables, and toasted walnuts that add an earthy crunch.  Delicious on a hot summer night.


Ingredients

2/3 cup walnuts
1 1/2 lbs fingerling or baby dutch potatoes
6 oz haricots verts, or other green beens, trimmed and cut into 2” segments
3 oz baby arugula


Dressing

2 Tbsp plain greek yogurt
1 tsp dijon mustard
1 tsp kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper
2 Tbsp walnut oil

Preheat oven to 375.  Place walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in oven until fragrant, about 8 minutes.  Let cool slightly and set aside.

Chop the potatoes.  If you’re using fingerlings, cut crosswise into 1/2” thick rounds.  I couldn’t find fingerlings, so I used baby Dutch potatoes.  I cut them into bite-size pieces.    Boil the potatoes until tender, about 10 minutes.  Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a colander to drain and cool.  

Prepare an ice-water bath; set aside.  Return the pan of water to a boil.  Add the green beans, and cook until tender and bright green, about 3-4 minutes.  Using a slotted spoon, transfer to ice-water bath to stop the cooking.  Drain.

Whisk together vinegar, yogurt, mustard and 1/2 tsp salt in a small bowl.  Season with pepper.   Add oil in a slow, stead stream, whisking until emulsified.  Set dressing aside.

Arrange arugula, potatoes, and green beans on a platter or shallow bowl.  Season with remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.  Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle with 
toasted walnuts.  Toss to coat.

Serves 8 small sides, or 4 larger ones




Adapted from Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen and Martha Stewart

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