Category Archives: Salads

Kale, Mandarin and Avocado Salad

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Salads and tagged with , , , , , , , , , , ,
Kale, Mandarine and Avocado Salad

Kale, Mandarin and Avocado Salad

I have over-indulged!  Way over.  I imagine there are any number of people saying the same thing about now.  Don’t we ALWAYS over-indulge during the holidays?  And we’ve got only the first one behind us.

I’ve eaten too much sweet potato casserole, stuffed myself with stuffing, picked at one too many pieces of pecan pie. I’ve done the peppermint stick ice-cream.   It was delicious, but it’s over.

Stomach, I’m going to be nicer to you,  because you deserve a break.   Before I start making cookies, I’m making a salad.  This is going to be so good, you’ll be thanking me all over the place.  So, hang on to your hat.

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A salad  begins with greens, right?   And what’s the most popular green in town?  Kale!   Yes, kale, chopped up nice and fine, raw and crunchy.  Next we add some romaine, also chopped up nice and fine, also crunchy.

Cut up the greens nice and fine.

Cut up the greens nice and fine.

To sweeten up this deal we’re adding clementine or tangerine.  Grab and peel those babies.

Avocados go in next;  for color, for fat nutrients, for creaminess…..oh heck, just put them in because we love them, and they love to hang out with citrus.  Bright and juicy meets soft and creamy.

Avocado + Citrus = True Love

Avocado + Citrus = True Love

Last, we sprinkle in some toasted sesame seeds because we need something to get stuck in our teeth to embarrass us later. If you want to leave them out that’s okay,  you can still go ahead and walk around with kale stuck in your teeth.

To soften the kale, you can rub it with a bit of olive oil and salt….that’s called a kale massage….a totally normal thing to do.  If you find baby kale you can skip this step.  My supermarket is now carrying baby kale.

Once the kale is massaged, make the dressing.  The dressing ingredients go into a small jar.  They consist of rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, soy sauce and pepper.  Add in a tiny bit of minced garlic if you’d like.

 

These become the dressing.

These become the dressing.

Now tighten the lid, and start shaking.   Shake, shake, shake like mad.  That’s it.  Done.

Toss dressing with salad.

Toss dressing with salad.

Toss some with the salad, and as it gets tossed together the orange segments may split open and the avocado may mash a bit making these two elements a lovely addition to the sesame dressing.   Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Now’s the time to grab a fork and dig in.  Your stomach will thank you.

Do yourself a favor, take a break today with a salad this good.

Do yourself a favor, take a break today with a salad this good.

KALE, MANDARIN AND AVOCADO SALAD

Yield:   Serves 4 as a side salad

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups clean and well-chopped kale
  • 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • pinch of salt
  • 3 cups clean and well-chopped romaine lettuce
  • 2 tangerines or clementines, peeled and divided into segments
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp. sesame seeds
  • 3 Tbsp. rice vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. sesame oil
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • fresh pepper and coarse salt to taste

Instructions:

1.  Place kale in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt.  Massage the oil and salt into the kale.

2.  Add the romaine, tangerines, and avocado to the bowl.

3.  Sprinkle with the sesame seeds.

4.  In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, and pepper.  Place the lid on the jar and shake vigorously until emulsified.  If you don’t have a jar, whisk the ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined.

5.  Drizzle the dressing over the salad.  Toss to combine.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper and enjoy!

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SOURCE:   adapted from The Joy of Baking

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Salad: Apple and Fennel with Pistachios and Apricot

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Salads and tagged with , , , , ,
Salad: Apple+Fennel+Arugula+Apricots+Pistachios

Salad: Apple+Fennel+Arugula+Apricots+Pistachios

How strange it is!   It’s not quite over, but it’s over.  Is it the same where you are?  Here where I live, September should have felt like the soft days at the end of summer, but instead it’s gotten cool way too soon.   Mornings have been down right chilly–sweater and jacket chilly.   I’m hoping that Mother Nature will change her mind (just like a woman does), and bring back some warmth.

But now that October is here, we’re in the middle of things;  in a transition period, when we have to put away the bathing suits, shorts and flip flops, and maybe bring out that infinity scarf.  A pumpkin spice latte tastes really good.  Seasons don’t change in a snap, there’s always a transition period, a time to settle in, take a deep breath, absorb the last of warm breezes, and get ready for crisp, cool nights, apples and cider, and the world around us bursting with vibrant color.

This salad feels like a lovely transition.  Fresh apples and fennel make it easy to move into Autumn.  Add some arugula for its peppery notes, salty roasted pistachios, sweet dried apricots, and some salty Parmesan.  It’s all about balance–sweet, salty, and spicy!

Pretty colors go into this salad.

Pretty colors go into this salad.

It’s also very versatile!   Substitute currants or dried cranberries for the apricots.  Add spinach and parsley instead of arugula.  Try a balsamic vinaigrette instead of lemon juice.  This salad can be exactly what you want it to be.IMG_8138

What’s also great about this salad is that most of it can be assembled long before it’s served.  Everything but the greens can be tossed together and left covered in the refrigerator for a day and then tossed with the arugula ( or your preferred greens), just before serving.    Easy breezy as we transition into Autumn.

SALAD:  APPLE + FENNEL+PISTACHIOS+ APRICOT

Yield:  Serves 4   Adjust ingredients accordingly to make more.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large Fuji or Golden Delicious apple, cored and thinly slicedIMG_8139
  • 1 large fennel bulb, thinly sliced
  • 2 large handfuls arugula, coarsely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons finely diced red onions
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/3 cup finely diced dried apricots
  • 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pistachios
  • 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan
  • salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1.  In a large bowl toss together the thinly sliced apples, fennel, arugula, and red onions.  Drizzle with lemon juice, vinegar, and olive oil.  Add the dried apricot pieces, pistachios and cheese.  Toss to incorporate.  Season with salt and pepper and toss just before serving.   Serve soon after assembling.

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SOURCE:  All Recipes

Spiced Shrimp with Peach Salsa

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Appetizers, Desserts, Main Dish, Salads and tagged with , , , , ,
Spiced Shrimp with Peach Salsa

Spiced Shrimp with Peach Salsa

Back in the spring our church had a goods and services auction as a fund raiser.  A friend and I got together and offered a catered dinner for up to 6 people.   Two couples teamed up and bid on it, winning the bid.  The date chosen for the dinner was this past weekend.   We had a lot of fun planning the menu, shopping, cooking and then serving the meal.   This was so rewarding, and a great way to help out our church.

The menu we served consisted of several dishes that I have already featured here on the blog with the exception of this shrimp appetizer.  The recipe for it follows below.  The full menu was as follows:

Appetizers

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Garlic- Herb  Cucumber Bites

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Spiced Shrimp with Peach Salsa

Salad

Baby Greens with fresh pears, grapes and pistachios

and honey-balsamic dressing

warm rolls and herb dipping oil

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Entree

Greek Style Chicken Breasts with Herb Rice Pilaf

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Desserts

Jamocha Silk Pie

with whipped cream topping

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Fresh Pear Galette

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SPICED SHRIMP WITH PEACH SALSA

Yield:  Serves 8

Ingredients:

     Peach salsa:

  • 3  1/2 cups coarsely chopped peeled peaches   (nectarines may be used, but don’t bother peeling them)IMG_8033
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped green bell pepper
  • 1/3 cup coarsely chopped red onion
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 1 Tbsp. lime juice
  • 1/4 tsp. salt

 

Shrimp:IMG_8037

  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 3 tsp. brown sugar
  • 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp. black pepper
  • 1  1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil

Directions:

1.  To prepare salsa,  place all the salsa ingredients in a food processor, pulse 8 times.  Set aside.   If the bowl of your processor does not hold all the ingredients, divide in half and process in two batches,  adding the lime juice and salt to the combined batches at the end.

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2.  To prepare shrimp, combine salt, sugar, cumin, chili powder, pepper, and shrimp in a large bowl or zip-lock bag.  Toss gently to coat.  Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.  Add shrimp mixture; sauté  4 minutes or until shrimp are done.  Serve with peach salsa.

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SOURCE:    A Carolyn Original

Grilled Shrimp Panzanella Salad

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Salads and tagged with , , , ,

 

Grilled Shrimp Panzanella Salad

Grilled Shrimp Panzanella Salad

Our weekly menus this summer have included some type of dinner salad at least once a week.  I like to try different ingredients so that they stay fresh and interesting.  The last thing I want is a boring salad.

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Panzanella is a Tuscan salad of bread and tomatoes popular in the summer.  It includes chunks of soaked stale bread and tomatoes, sometimes onions and basil dressed with olive oil and vinegar. Over time other ingredients have found their way into this refreshing summertime salad.

In this version the salad is livened up by the addition of tender grilled shrimp, bread cubes and feta cheese.

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GRILLED SHRIMP PANZANELLA SALAD

Yield:  6 – 8 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1  1/2 cups Italian salad dressing, divided
  • 1 pound uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 small loaf ciabatta bread, halved lengthwise
  • 8 cups torn, mixed greens
  • 3 plum tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 small red onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped ripe olives
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced

Directions:

1.  Pour 1 cup salad dressing in a large resealable plastic bag.  Add the shrimp; seal the bag and turn to coat.  Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

2.  Meanwhile brush bread with 1/4 cup salad dressing.  Grill, uncovered, over medium heat for 2 – 3 minutes on each side or until lightly toasted.  Cut bread into cubes; set aside.

3.  Drain and discard marinade.  Thread shrimp on four metal or soaked wooden skewers.  Grill, covered, over medium heat for 5 – 8 minutes or until shrimp turn pink, turning once.

4.  In a large bowl, combine salad greens, remaining dressing; toss to coat.  Add the tomatoes, cheese, onion, olives, garlic, shrimp and bread cubes;  toss to combine.

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SOURCE:   Taste of Home

 

A Salad….

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Salads and tagged with , , , , , , ,
Cherry-Quinoa Salad with Cucumber Ribbons

Cherry-Quinoa Salad with Cucumber Ribbons

I am in need of a salad.  The kind that’s heavy with greens and good nutrients, yet unique and full of surprises, and well,  sexy!

The kind of salad that makes you want to wear those sleek, super expensive yoga pants, if you wear yoga pants, that is.  Me?  I wear tight, super short dance skirts, or long skirts with a slit up to THERE!   You see where I’m going with this don’t you?   In short….when your shape is gonna show, make sure it’s a shape you wanna show!

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Yeah,  that’s exactly the kind of salad I’m craving.

Today we are making Cherry Quinoa Salad on cucumber ribbons.  Come on,  let’s do salad!

I love combining sweet summer fruit with salad ingredients.  It’s pretty amazing that sweet cherries, grated carrots and green onions get married in this salad starring our favorite grain, quinoa.  Now spoon that over some ribbons of pickled cucumbers.   Whaaat?   I know, unbelievable, right?  That’s what I said, until I tasted it. Now I want it for lunch and dinner every day.  Go figure.

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CHERRY QUINOA SALAD

Yield:  Makes 6 servings;  serving size: 1 cup

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegarIMG_7810
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tbsp. honey
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
  • 2 cups water
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1  3/4 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups pitted and chopped sweet cherries
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots ( 1 medium)
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced green onions ( 2)
  • 3 tbsp. coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 tbsp. snipped fresh mint
  • 1/3 cup dry roasted pistachio nuts, coarsely chopped

Directions:

1.  Make vinaigrette:   in a screw-top jar combine vinegar, oil, honey, 1/2 tsp. salt, and pepper.  Cover and shake well; chill until needed.

2.  In a large saucepan combine water, wine, and 1/2 tsp. salt.  Bring to a boil.  Stir in quinoa.  Return to boiling; reduce heat.  Simmer, covered for 12 to 15 minutes or until quinoa is tender and liquid is absorbed.  Cool, tossing occasionally, by stirring with a fork.

3.  Stir cherries, carrot, green onions parsley, and mint into quinoa.  Drizzle with 6 tablespoons of the vinaigrette; toss gently to coat.

 

 

 

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Reserve the remaining vinaigrette for a later use.   Cover and chill quinoa mixture for at least 2 hours.  To serve, sprinkle with pistachios.

4.  To serve salad on Cucumber “Ribbons”:    Using a vegetable peeler, cut 1 small seedless cucumber lengthwise into thin “ribbons”.  Drizzle with the remaining vinaigrette; toss to coat.   Line a serving platter with cucumber “ribbons.”  Spoon the quinoa salad on top of cucumber and sprinkle with pistachios.

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Nutritional Profile:  (Cherry-Quinoa Salad),  322 calories, 11 g fat, 365 mg sodium, 46 g carbs, 6 g fiber, 9 g protein.

(with cucumber “ribbons”), 353 calories, 10 g protein, 49 g carbs, 13 g total fat, 6 g fiber, 431 mg sodium,

SOURCE:   Better Homes and Gardens Newsletter

Tortellini and Broccoli Salad

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Carolyn's Originals, Quick Meals, Salads and tagged with , , , , , ,
Tortellini and Broccoli Salad with Bacon

Tortellini and Broccoli Salad with Bacon

There’s a certain kind of math that goes on in my head every time I stare into my refrigerator and try to decide what to make for dinner.

It goes something like this:  6 eggs,  1/2 bag of cheese tortellini, part of a head of broccoli, 1 stick of butter, some leftover chicken soup, a block of cream cheese, 4 slices of bacon, and  half a loaf of Italian bread.

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There’s also a strange correlation at work–the less time I have and the hungrier I am, the harder it is to process all this math.  Let’s see, if  I scramble the eggs and mix them with warm garlicy broccoli, and sprinkle toasted bread crumbs over the top, would that work?

Oh, wait–how about if I cook the tortellini, mix it with broccoli, and treat the mixture like macaroni salad with a mayonnaise dressing.   Top if off with a sprinkle of bacon?    Yes, now is there enough mayonnaise?   Do I have a lemon?   And what’s this?—one romaine heart hiding at the back of the crisper drawer!   Perfect, I’ll serve the salad on a bed of romaine.  Whew!  That was a tough one.

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I’m wishing you the same kind of success when this happens to you. 🙂

TORTELLINI AND BROCCOLI SALADIMG_7632

Yield:   Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 8 0z. refrigerated cheese tortellini
  • 4 cups broccoli florets
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Romaine lettuce or spring greens mix
  • 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled (vegetarians can omit bacon)

Directions:

1.  Cook tortellini according to package directions.  Add broccoli florets in the last 5 minutes of cooking time.   Drain, and rinse with cold water to stop cooking action.  Transfer to a mixing bowl.

2.  In a small bowl, mix together the dressing ingredients, i.e.. mayonnaise through salt.  Pour this over the tortellini and broccoli, and mix well to coat evenly.

3.  On a large platter or serving dish, arrange the salad greens,  Spoon the tortellini salad on top.   Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and serve.

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This salad is good slightly warm or at room temperature, or thoroughly chilled.  Try it on a warm day when you want a quick, cold meal.

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SOURCE:   Another of my own creations!

Shrimp and Avocado Chopped Salad

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Main Dish, Salads and tagged with , , , , ,
Shrimp and Avocado Chopped Salad

Shrimp and Avocado Chopped Salad

Chop, Chop, Chopped!   This is not about the T.V. show Chopped, but about a salad.  Where salads are concerned, “chopped” is the new buzz-word.

“Tossed” is the word most often associated with putting a great salad together.  A very enjoyable jumble of greens and vegetables comes out of this technique.  Then there’s the “composed” salad, a thoughtful work of art; leaves placed just so on the plate form a base, with slivers of vegetables, fruits, nuts and other delightful ingredients carefully arranged over them, with the dressing drizzled on like splatters of paint.

But the “chopped” salad is perhaps the most satisfying creation that can come out of a salad bowl.  All it takes is a sharp knife and you can cut lettuces, cucumbers, tomatoes, cabbage, avocado, chicken, shrimp—anything you want—into a mixture of delectable morsels.  Coat it all with dressing and the whole thing becomes infused with flavor.  When you take a bite, the full impact of a chopped salad hits you:   each forkful has a snippet of all the ingredients.  You get the perfect bite every time.

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So get out your knife and cutting board for this crazy-good summer salad that features two favorites;  shrimp and avocado.  Healthy fats (avocado) and protein (shrimp) insures that you will be satisfied and all for less than 400 calories / serving.

The shrimp can be cooked outdoors on the grill, for an added smoky flavor that plays well with the bacon.  To me, this is the perfect meal to eat outside on the deck on a warm summer evening.  If calories are not a concern, you might want to add a warm crunchy roll or rustic bread with this salad.

 

SHRIMP AND AVOCADO CHOPPED SALAD

Yield:   serves 4

Ingredients:

Dressing:

  • 5 tablespoons reduced-fat sour cream
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 tablespoons chopped fresh dill ( or 1 teaspoon dried dill weed)
  • 1 tablespoon minced shallot
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Puree the dressing ingredients in a food processor or blender until smooth.  Set aside while you prepare the salad.

Shrimp and Salad:IMG_7488

  • 1 pound raw shrimp ( 21 – 25 per pound), peeled and deveined
  • 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 3/4 cup finely chopped red cabbage
  • 3/4 cup diced red bell pepper
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup assorted cherry tomatoes chopped
  • 1 avocado, peeled and diced
  • 2 slices crispy cooked bacon, diced

1.  Preheat grill to medium or heat a grill pan over medium heat.

2.  Toss shrimp with 2 teaspoons oil, lime zest, salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

3.  Grill the shrimp, turning once, until cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes, total.  Transfer to a cutting board.  Chop the shrimp into bite-size pieces.

4.  Combine lettuce, cabbage, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, avocado and bacon in a large bowl.  Add the shrimp and dressing;  toss to coat.  Season with pepper to taste.

Each serving is about 2  1/2 cups,  398 calories.

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SOURCE:   Eating Well

 

 

 

Mashed Potato Salad

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Salads, Side Dish and tagged with , , , , , ,
Mashed Potato Salad

Mashed Potato Salad

 

Unlike most potato salads that have chunks or cubes of potato in them, this one is a mashed potato salad.  A friend of mine made this for a pot-luck dinner, and we thought it was so different and tasty that I had to have the recipe.  This style potato salad has now become our favorite.  It is absolutely awesome.  It is super popular whenever I bring it anywhere, and I get asked for the recipe all the time.

The recipe is easy to prepare and very flexible allowing you to include additional ingredients that you love, but this is the way we like it best.  It can be served warm or chilled, its just great either way. You can include or omit the chopped egg, and sometimes I add some cooked, crumbled bacon.  Mr. D. asks for it whenever we have a picnic meal.  Try it the next time you’re making a potato salad, and you’ll see why we like it so much.

The best darn potato salad!!

The best darn potato salad!!

When I mash the potatoes, I leave them a little rough for more texture, but some people like their potatoes mashed well so the salad is more creamy.  It’s really just a matter of personal preference.  Also, some people have told me they use dill pickle relish and dill pickle juice, and some folks don’t peel their potatoes.  Leaving the skins on the potatoes makes the salad more “rustic”, but good never-the-less.

MASHED POTATO SALAD

Yield:   Serves 8

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds potatoes,  white or Yukon GoldIMG_7393
  • 1 small sweet onion, or scallions, chopped
  • 2 hard-cooked eggs, chopped
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons prepared yellow mustard
  • 2-3 tablespoons sweet pickle juice

Directions:

1.  Peel potatoes, cut into chunks, and place into a large saucepan.  Cover with cold water and salt lightly.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes.  Drain and transfer potatoes to a large bowl.

2.  Mash potatoes with a potato masher.  Stir in onion or scallion, eggs, celery, pickles, salt and black pepper.

Add eggs, celery, onion or scallion and salt and pepper to mashed potatoes.

Add eggs, celery, onion or scallion and salt and pepper to mashed potatoes.

Mix mayonnaise, pickle juice, and mustard in a separate small bowl;  pour over potatoes and mix well.  Salad may be served at this point while it is still warm, or cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour to chill before serving.

 

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SOURCE:  adapted from a friend’s recipe

 

 

Pear and Pineapple Salad (Sesame Dressing)

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Salads and tagged with , , , , , , , ,
Pineapple and pear salad with sesame dressing.

Pear and pineapple salad with sesame dressing.

What gave me the inspiration for this salad was a ripe pear that was sitting on my kitchen counter, and in the refrigerator, the remains of a fresh pineapple.

I had prepared a baked casserole for dinner and wanted a light citrusy, fruity salad to go with it.  So, out of the refrigerator came some lettuce–iceberg and romaine, the pineapple, crumbled goat cheese and from my cupboard, some dried cranberries  because this salad seemed to need a pop of color.

IMG_6773 So, I started by chopping a mixture of lettuces and made a bottom layer on salad plates.  Then I placed a slice of pineapple on top of the lettuce and cut it into wedges.  Over that I put pear slices, arranged in spoke fashion, scattered a few dried cranberries on it, and crumbled the goat cheese on top.  Very pretty!   Now,  what to use for dressing??

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Something with an Asian flavor, I thought.  Thumbing quickly through one of my vegetarian books, I found this recipe for a sesame dressing.  Yes, perfect!   The dark sesame oil, the sesame seeds and rice wine vinegar provided an interesting flavor that paired especially well with the fruits and lettuces.  Sometimes the greatest ingredients just seem to find each other and blend so well.  I’m recording this recipe here so I don’t forget it.  Keep it in mind when you want a light, refreshing, fruity salad with a subtle Asian flair.

PEAR AND PINEAPPLE SALAD WITH SESAME DRESSING

Makes 2 salads.  Adjust ingredients accordingly for more.

Ingredients:

  • 2 – 3 leaves iceberg lettuce, and 2 – 3 leaves romaine lettuce.  Heavy ribs removed, leaves sliced into ribbons.
  • 2 slices fresh cored pineapple cut into wedges
  • 1 ripe fresh pear, cored and quartered, and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberriesIMG_6770
  • 2 tablespoon crumbled goat cheese

For the salad dressing:    Makes 3/4 cup

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1/2 cup peanut oil, or vegetable oil
  • 1  1/2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2  1/2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • dash of salt to taste

Combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar or shaker with a tight-fitting lid.  Shake vigorously to combine and chill until ready to use.  This dressing can be kept in the refrigerator for a week or more.

To assemble the salads,  layer the ingredients in the order given.   Drizzle with dressing just before serving.

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SOURCE;  for the dressing;  Quick Vegetarian Pleasures

 

Happy First Day of Spring, Everyone!

Huevos Rancheros Salad

Posted by deliciousonadollar in Main Dish, Quick Meals, Salads and tagged with , , , , , ,
Huevos Rancheros Salad

Huevos Rancheros Salad

Bacon and eggs.  These two words just seem to go together; they were meant for each other.  So this week on the blog I will be featuring bacon and eggs, separately and together.   So….let’s get crackin’.   😀

First up is this salad that is like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.  Especially welcome as we experience another Polar Vortex here in my area of the country.  BTW, has that become the new buzz word for 2014?  I seem to be hearing it a lot on weather news, so I’m just going to start dropping it into my conversations like I really know what I’m talking about.  This is what I know for sure:  Polar Vortex = COLD.   And that’s all I need to know about it.  Enough already,  go away.

Anyway, back to the salad.    A bright, sunny-side-up fried egg steals the show on this Southwestern salad topped with queso fresco (cheese), cilantro and a citrusy black bean and tomato salsa. When served, this salad is bright and attractive on the plate.  You can add some toasted tortillas to help scoop up the salsa, and the runny egg yolk.   This meal made a nice change from what we’ve been eating, and Mr. D. and I enjoyed it immensely.

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HUEVOS RANCHEROS SALAD

Yield:   Makes 6 servings  To make less, adjust amounts accordingly.

Ingredients:IMG_6647

  • 1  (15 1/2-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 3 large plum tomatoes seeded and chopped ( about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 1/2 medium red onion, chopped ( about 1/4 cup)
  • 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (2-3 limes)
  • 3 tablespoons roughly chopped fresh cilantro, plus more leaves for garnish
  • 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce, or more to taste
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 12 cups mixed spring greens (about 8 ounces)
  • 6 corn tortillas
  • 6 large eggs
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco (about 3 oz.)

Directions:

1.  In a medium bowl, gently stir black beans, tomatoes, onion,  olive oil, lime juice, cilantro,  hot sauce, and salt to combine to create a fresh salsa.  Set aside.  Divide greens among 6 dinner plates and set aside.

2.  With a little olive oil, lightly brush all 6 tortillas and sprinkle lightly with salt to taste.  Toast tortillas directly under broiler or over an open flame, 1 minute per side.  Cut tortillas into quarters and wrap in foil to keep warm.

Crispy tortillas stay warm wrapped in foil.

Crispy tortillas stay warm wrapped in foil.

3.  Evenly divide all but 1/2 cup of the salsa among the plated greens.  Divide remaining oil between 2 large nonstick skillets over medium-high heat.  Crack 3 eggs into each pan and reduce heat to medium.  Season eggs with salt and pepper to taste, and cook lightly splashing tops of eggs with pan oil, until whites are opaque and yolks are deep golden, about 3 minutes.  Transfer 1 egg onto each plate.  Sprinkle eggs with queso fresco and remaining salsa;  garnish with cilantro.  Serve salads immediately with reserved tortillas.

All the flavors and textures meld together to make a very pleasant meal.

All the flavors and textures meld together to make a very pleasant meal.

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SOURCE:    Cooking Light