Fresh, crunchy, vibrant and healthy salads are called for when the weather warms up. Use seasonal springtime ingredients, dress and serve them up on beautiful platters.
The following recipes can be offered as complete meals with a serving of protein. Prepare by tossing ingredients in a bowl with a dressing before serving on a plate.
image via pinterest
ASPARAGUS, FENNEL AND BLOOD ORANGE SALAD WITH CAPERS
Toss in a bowl:
Halved, steamed asparagus spears, thinly sliced blood orange and fresh fennel with capers. Make a zesty dressing with orange juice, orange zest and olive oil.
SNAP PEAS, MINT, RADISH AND HEIRLOOM CARROT SALAD
Cut pea pods in half lengthwise and toss with fresh mint leaves. Add thinly sliced radish and steamed heirloom colourful carrots. Add a simple salad dressing of lemon juice, lemon zest and olive oil.
CHERRY TOMATO, BURRATA, BASIL AND GREEN OLIVE SALAD
Toss cherry tomatoes, with pieces of Burrata cheese (gently tear apart) and chopped green olives. If you don’t have any Burrata cheese choose buffalo mozzarella. Dress with lemon juice, lemon zest and olive oil.
CELERY, GREEN APPLE, CUCUMBER, MINT AND COCONUT SALAD
Toss thinly sliced celery, cucumber, green apple, mint leaves and dried coconut flakes. Dress with a coconut oil, lime juice and lime zest salad dressing.
GRILLED CORN, AVOCADO, WHITE POTATO AND CORIANDER SALAD
Grill corn on the cob until slightly charcoaled. When cool, cut corn kernels off and toss with sliced avocado, coriander leaves and thinly sliced cooked potato. Toss with a hot sauce dressing of salsa, olive oil and lime juice.
RADICCHIO, SWEET POTATO, TUNA AND SPANISH ONION SALAD
Tear radicchio leaves and toss with thinly sliced, grilled sweet potato, spanish onion and tuna slices. Dress with tahini and lemon.
SMOKED SALMON, CHIVES, CUCUMBER AND QUARK SALAD
Toss slices of smoked salmon, finely chopped chives, sliced cucumber and dollops of quark or cottage cheese. Serve with cultured vegetables and olive oil.
SENSATIONAL SALAD DRESSINGS
Choose a fat or oil. E.g.,
Yoghurt / Melted Butter
/ Ghee / Olive Oil /
Coconut Oil
/ Hulled Tahini
Add a Zest or Acid. E.g.,
Lemon Juice or Zest / Lime Juice or Zest / Orange Juice or Zest / Kefir /
Apple Cider Vinegar/
Cultured Vegetables/ Kombucha / Beet Kvass.
Season with:
Natural Salt / Freshly Cracked Pepper / Organic Dried Herbs and Spices.
HERE ARE SOME EXAMPLES TO GET YOU GOING:
Simple Salad Dressing
Half a lemon juiced, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons cold pressed extra virgin olive oil, crushed garlic, black pepper and natural salt. Blend or shake in a jar.
Coconut and Lime Dressing
3 tablespoons coconut oil, 3 tablespoons lime juice, 1 stalk of finely sliced lemongrass, 2 tablespoons of coriander root and leaves, pinch of chilli, 1 teaspoon grated ginger root, natural salt and freshly cracked pepper. Blend or shake in a jar.
Fresh Tahini and Lemon Dressing
Half cup hulled tahini, juice of 1 lemon, half cup of water, pinch of cayenne and 3 tablespoons of olive oil. Blend or shake in a jar.
