Salads can be really interesting, just because it is a salad, does not mean it is limited only to chopped garden vegetables. It doesn’t even mean it has to be raw! Salads can also consist of cooked vegetables think roasted vegetables over a bed of lettuce for instance. You can also use preserved lemons, or aubergines… A salad can contain both warm and cold components.
When it comes to salad dressings, vinaigrettes are top of the list. But even there you are not limited to the basic vinaigrette. You can play around with textures, flavour combinations and even consistency, all of which will tremendously affect the experience. The types of mustards, the types of oils, vinegars used are limitless, and can create countless variations. You can intensify flavours by using rinds, herbs, and even spices. A salad does not have to be boring, and it can be used as an integral part of your meal to enhance flavours, textures and add a pop of colour when plating. You really want to experiment with various salads, especially if you frequently have salads for mains. follow this link for more on Salads.
In this salad, I have used cooked and raw components; yet despite the little prep, the salad is served cold. In terms of texture this salad is packed with variety. You get the crunch from the fennel, the shortly sauteed asparagus and flash-blanched carrots and edamame beans (an immature soybean in the pod). You also get a smooth bite from the sauteed zucchini and summer yellow squash. Then you get the juicy ooziness of the fresh cherry tomatoes, the aromas of the fresh parsley leaves and finishing all with the creaminess of avocados and goat’s cheese. All brought together with the sweet-tanginess of an orange-walnut vinaigrette… Epic!
No salad experience is complete without the good old piece of bread, which you will dunk into the vinaigrette to soak all the juices and offer yourself a juicy, tender piece of comfort. I have chosen a whole wheat walnut mini loaf to serve on the side of this superb salad. Pumpernickel works very well too. This salad is packed with nutrients, and easy to make. It will leave you feeling full, yet keep light and energetic. It is a perfect lunch for those days when you are thinking healthy but flavoursome…
So let’s get preppin’…