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 18, 2014

50. Grilled Tri Tip Salad with Rosemary Horseradish Vinaigrette





















Summertime for me includes lots of grilling.  In southern California we can pretty much use the grill year-round.  But during the hot summer months, it’s actually a necessity.   

Santa Maria grilled tri tip is one of my favorite things off the grill.  It's a California thing, originating from the town of Santa Maria, near Santa Barbara (southern California coastline, north of Los Angles, for those of you how don't speak California).  It's lean and flavorful, and adds a little pizzazz to the normal routine.  I like to buy a big-ish roast, grill it up, serve it with horseradish sauce, and then covet the leftovers and save them for salad the next day.

The dressing I came up with has both horseradish and fresh rosemary, which goes so well with the tri tip.  The teaspoon of honey cuts the sharpness, and smooths it out.  Use sugar if you don’t have honey on hand.

You could use any leftover steak with this salad.  If you want a good recipe for Santa Maria Grilled Tri Tip, see the link below.


Ingredients

8 cups mixed greens (baby lettuce, arugula, romaine, etc.)
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
2 large or 4 small tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 avocado, sliced
1/4 lb blue cheese, crumbled

1 1/2 lbs (or thereabouts) grilled tri tip or steak, cooled and sliced


Dressing

1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1 tsp dijon mustard
2 tsp horseradish (prepared/jarred)
2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
1 tsp fresh rosemary, roughly chopped
1 tsp honey or sugar
1 tsp sea salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper


This salad makes 4 individual servings.  Divide the ingredients between 4 dinner plates.  Combine the dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.  Drizzle each, or serve on the side.


Recipe for great Santa Maria grilled Tri Tip here:  http://americanfood.about.com/od/californiaregionalcuisine/r/Barbecued_Tri_Tip.htm

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