In early spring, fresh greens are abundant, and, if you are like me, you are thinking of the months of salad ahead. I look forward to sharing some of my favorite salad combinations and award-winning (in my opinion) simple salad dressings and vinaigrettes.
Amongst my friends, I am known as the person who will be bringing a delicious salad to every gathering. What is my secret to successful salads? Simplicity!
Here is my salad equation: 4+1 = simple and amazing salad. Of course, the quality of your ingredients will make a huge difference! I use fresh, local and organically grown ingredients whenever possible.
1 fresh, local green + 1 fresh or dried fruit + 1 cheese of your choice, preferably local + 1 nut or seed (optional) + 1 homemade salad dressing or vinaigrette
If you are thinking you don’t have time to make your own salad dressings, let me help! I have some recipes that are so easy to make (here is an easy vinaigrette). Triple or quadruple the recipe, put it in a pint jar and store in the fridge for dressing on the go.
Consider growing your own salad greens! They can be grown in containers on your deck or patio, in the garden, or even hydroponically. Palouse Prairie Charter School students in Moscow, Idaho, have created a webinar and bulletin on how to set up your own hydroponic system. And, our region has several great seed companies!
Check out Palouse Prairie’s publication “Lettuce Show You!” and learn the basics of setting up your own hydroponic system.
All you need to do for a great salad is combine your four ingredients, take out your homemade dressing, drizzle it on your salad, toss and enjoy. Really, its that simple. And, the taste is out-of-this world. Once I started making my own salad dressings and vinaigrettes, there was no going back to the store. I have a hunch this may be true for you, too.
Salad tip: Only dress as much salad as will be eaten in one sitting. Dressed salad will not store well, even overnight!
Brush Creek Creamery in Deary, Idaho makes many truly award willing cheeses that are perfect for salads!