Archive for the ‘Salad’ Category

Roasted Red Pepper and Walnut Bruschetta + THE Perfect Dressing + Al Fresco Dining

Tuesday, August 4th, 2009

Yes, I know it’s been a trillion years (five days) since my last post. My apologies. I’ve been cooking like crazy, but hiding from my camera and le blog. I am a rebel like that. In all honesty, I’ve been feeling especially critical of my writing and of my ability to craft interesting little posts for your consumption (ha-ha, get it?). So here I am, highly caffeinated and slightly anxious, presenting you with a lovely al fresco dinner idea. I am currently visiting my family in upstate New York (East Amherst, second-safest town in America anyone?) I bring this up to explain two things: First, my ability to even dine al fresco (no balcony or garden for me in the city, growl) and second, these crazytown plates. Yes, they are decorated with giant blooming cactuses (cacti?) bordered by…blueberries? No, I am not remotely close to understanding it either.

Al Fresco

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Rainbow Slaw with Spicy Thai Curry Dressing

Saturday, July 25th, 2009

A confession: I don’t like bell peppers. Really don’t like them. And I want to love them, I need to love them, I’m convinced there is a recipe out there that will bring me back from the dark side (suggestions, anyone?). This rainbow slaw, with its spicy dressing and red cabbage-shredded carrot base, is so flavor-packed that the addition of bell peppers doesn’t bother me a bit. Its a brightly colorful alternative to the ubiquitous mayo-coated cabbage coleslaw of summer. Try it out alongside broiled fish, grilled steak, or even a classic burger.

Rainbow Slaw with Thai Curry Dressing

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Brown Rice Salad with Chicken and Summer Squash

Friday, July 17th, 2009

My mother’s organic garden is flush with zucchini, and it seems every stall at the green market is offering zucchini and yellow squash for just pennies. Apart from simply grilling the squash or mixing up a batch of my sister Emma’s killer zucchini-walnut bread (more on that early next week!), I don’t regularly make that many zucchini-based recipes. I threw this lovely little brown rice salad together to use up a few leftovers, and was surprised at how healthful and delicious it was. Nutty brown rice, tender chicken breast, and fresh summer squash, all tossed in a zippy Asian-inspired dressing. Yum.

Brown Rice Salad with Chicken and Zucchini

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Arugula Salad with Grilled Peaches

Friday, July 10th, 2009

I seem to be eating a lot of salad these days. This particular salad may be the reason behind my sudden “health” kick, as i find myself making it over and over again. Something about the combination of juicy grilled peaches, tangy arugula, and creamy goat cheese…mmm. It makes for a great light lunch, or a lovely salad course. I’ve even served all three components separately for dessert! Delicious.

Arugula Salad with Grilled Peaches

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Rustic Panzanella

Thursday, July 9th, 2009

For some reason, baguettes have a way of disappearing around me before they go stale…On the rare occasion that I do have some day-old bread hanging out on the counter, I jump on the opportunity to make this rustic panzanella. Chock full of cooling veggies, creamy mozzarella, and salty olives, this bread salad is a perfect summer lunch.

Rustic Panzanella

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Grilled Shrimp with Cucumber-Yogurt Salad

Tuesday, July 7th, 2009

During my sophomore year of college, I registered for “Introduction to Middle East History,” the only class that both fulfilled my history requirement and fit into my crazy Pre-Med schedule. Two years later, I graduated a Middle East Studies major. Perhaps not the most practical decision of my life, it nonetheless introduced me to the wonderfully varied cuisines of the region. One of my favorite side dishes is cacik, a simple cucumber and yogurt salad found throughout the Middle East. It is especially cooling and delicious when paired with something spicy. Try it, I promise you will love it.

Grilled Shrimp with Cucumber Yogurt Salad

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Heirloom Tomato Salad with Fresh Ricotta

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

Aka “it is too effing hot to turn on the stove”…

I hate humidity.  It turns me into a wilting, whining, and absolutely insufferable brat.  So, to make up for inflicting THAT on my friends, I feed them.  And when its as humid as it was today, I make them this!

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Fresh Ricotta

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