Currently Browsing: Creative Salads
Flavors of Fall – 20 Irresistible Squash & Apple Recipes!
Here to inspire you – what to cook that is in season right now! Comforting & nutritious recipes prepared with seasonal ingredients to warm you up from the inside and make you enjoy the fall season at its fullest. Cook & Bake with confidence with my healthy and well-tested recipes. Press on the green titles for all […]
Favorite Summer Recipes! New: Corn Salad with Browned Butter Vinaigrette
There still are a few weeks of Summer left to use up all those fabulous fresh local veggies! Try a new recipe while the weather is still warm… Fall rolls in on September 22nd. It feels like I have been eating corn every night all summer long! I created this salad with minimal ingredients and […]
Fabulous Fresh Tomato Vinaigrette
In the height of the Tomato Season – make this vinaigrette for many salads and for drizzling over roasted or grilled proteins and vegetables. Made in a blender! The method ~ remove seeds from tomatoes with your fingers, cut tomatoes in half and grate, discard the skins. Add all ingredients to the blender saving some […]
Poke Bowl with Fresh Tuna, Rice & Summer Veggies
Combine Asian umami flavors and great quality tuna with a dash of local veggies for color and taste. A light summer meal that is a snap to prepare! No two Poke Bowls are alike! I would say Marinated Ahi (Sushi Grade Tuna) and Steamed short grain rice are the start – the base of the […]
12 Beet Recipes You Will Love for Summer + NEW Quattro Colore Beet Salad
I can’t get enough of the earthy-sweetness of Beets! Especially in summer when they are just pulled from the ground in a myriad of colors. They are healthy, easy to prepare – adds a little color to your life. A Simple Beet Salad Showing Off Their Natural Glorious Colors. Four different colored beets are sliced […]
Watermelon & Coconut Salad with Thai Dressing
Keeping it simple – Crunch, Color and Flavor! A wonderful and refreshing summer salad. Such an easy salad to put together – a cool salad for warm Summer days and nights. Shaved Fresh Coconut is a must! (Easily found at many grocery store & health food shops – coconut meat chunked out of it’s shell – […]
Karen’s Zesty Coconut Thai Dressing
A light and zesty dressing with a secret ingredient… Coconut Cream. Replaces some oil in the recipe for a creamy finish. Tangy Lime Juice with Garlic, Ginger, Fresh Basil & Mint and Coconut Cream are the key flavors. Add a few pinches of Thai Chiles for a little heat. Not your boring salad dressing with […]
Grilled Caponata – A New Twist with Deep Flavor!
From the Mediterranean area – Caponata is a Sicilian eggplant relish or eggplant salad typically served room temperature. I’m seriously grilling lately – so I have turned one of my favorite dishes into a grilled spectacular Italian dish. Caponata is a Sicilian eggplant relish or eggplant salad typically served room temperature. This vegetarian feast has […]
Mother’s Day Inspirations – 18 Recipes She Will Love!
Spoil Mom with some home cooking! She will love the effort… and results ~ and you might learn a few new recipes and techniques. Look for local Spring ingredients – the best and freshest you can find and make this year a bountiful celebration for the special Moms in your life. Here is a gathering of […]
Grilled Asparagus & Hearts of Palm Salad with Chimichurri
A creative and healthy stunning salad with my master Chimichurri sauce/condiment I had fun putting this together! First, I found these amazing FAT asparagus from Mexico. I’ll have to wait a few more weeks until local asparagus are cut from the fields. I thought Hearts of Palm are a similar size, so I paired the […]
Parmesan Crisps – Master Recipe with Flavoring Suggestions
These are so easy, crunchy & delicious! The crisps are made with grated Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and your choice of seasonings (I have many suggestions!) Easy Parmesan Crisps can be made into these clever Caesar Salad Tacos. Crush these crisps on top of salads, side dishes like risotto – anywhere you crave a rich Umami flavor-boost. It’s […]
Caesar Salad Tacos – In a Parmesan Crisp Shell
Ready for a Umami-rich treat? A creative genius recipe that is so delicious and low in carbs! All your favorite Caesar Salad Ingredients – I love to add roasted red peppers too. Gluten Free – no problem! I have used gluten free bread for the garlic croutons. East these immediately after preparing! Taco Shells can […]
Quick Caesar Dressing You Will Love!
This method takes away the raw egg yet adds all the zesty flavors! Add all ingredients to a bowl, whisk in extra virgin olive oil until nicely emulsified. Ingredients you will use: Fresh garlic, grainy mustard & dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, worcestershire sauce, grated parmesan cheese, natural mayonnaise, anchovies, freshly cracked pepper and extra […]
Simple Romaine Salad with Shaved Cucumbers and Radishes with a Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette
Lots of crunch with a Zesty Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette Shaving vegetables brings a nice look and texture to a salad. Shave with a sharp, wide vegetable peeler… so easy and fun. I like to have watermelon and purple daikon radishes in my fridge, they are great keepers and add a blast of gorgeous color and […]
Preserved Meyer Lemon Vinaigrette and How to Use It
Tangy, Mellow and Zesty! A Fabulous Full-Of-Flavor Vinaigrette with many uses beyond salads. Preserved Lemons are special. The lemon flavor intensifies and the salt and fermentation creates a punchy umami characteristic that lends incredible depth to dishes. In recipes – you can use the rind (which is prized), the flesh and even the preserved lemon juice. […]
Citrus, Fennel & Mint Salad – Citrus Vinaigrette with Vanilla Bean
I’m combining many types of Citrus and teaming them with Shaved Fennel and Mint. Drizzling on top with a delicious Citrus Vinaigrette with Vanilla Beans. Refreshing and light – a ray of sunshine in Winter! Make the season bright this year with the freshest jewel toned citrus. A great way to beat the “Winter Blahs” […]
Raspberry Crunch Salad with Raspberry-Almond Oil Vinaigrette
Crispy, Crunchy & Sweet ~ a brilliant, colorful, healthy salad… make place at your Thanksgiving table for this treat! Make the dressing ahead and adorn with my Nut and Seed Crunch (see recipe) This recipe is included in The Salad Gazette from the great minds at The Devil Wears Salad in Australia. The salad is on […]
Grilled Zucchini with Japanese Miso-Glaze and Cashew Crema
Zucchini & Summer Squash off the grill get jazzed-up with these Japanese inspired flavors Local Zucchini is simply sliced and grilled. I add the Miso Glaze on the bottom of the plate, and Cashew Crema on top. Beautiful Zucchini and Summer Squash off the grill served with a flavorful Miso Glaze and Cashew Crema
Summertime Panzanella Tomato Salad – you should be eating this right now!
Ripe Heirloom Tomatoes team with Garlicky Toasted Bread and Plenty of Basil Leaves. Top with my Zesty “Shaken” Italian Dressing and scatter some thinly sliced Red Onions and cubes of Cucumber. The Heirloom Tomatoes I have used: Red Zebra, Green Tiger and Strawberry Tomatoes
Gluten Free Summertime Panzanella Tomato Salad
Ripe Heirloom Tomatoes team with Garlicky Toasted Gluten Free Bread and Plenty of Basil Leaves. Top with my Zesty “Shaken” Italian Dressing and scatter some thinly sliced Red Onions and cubes of Cucumber. This Zesty Italian Dressing pairs perfectly with my Panzanella Salad. Gluten Free Bread is garlicky, tasty and cut the same size as the […]
Steamed Baby Beets with Garlic Scape Vinaigrette
A Simple Recipe using Ingredients from a local Farmers’ Market. It’s easy to steam beets! Add to an assertive and zesty vinaigrette with Green Garlic Scapes; the curly shoot of the garlic bulb… they’re like scallions with a garlic kick! A bunch of Fresh Beets from a farmer’s market makes a whole lot of scrumptious […]
Radicchio Salad with Mustard Croutons and Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette
This Radicchio Salad has a nice sweet & bitter elements. Add Frisée lettuce, Watermelon Radish, Shaved Heirloom Carrots, Crispy Croutons with Grainy Mustard and Garlic and Karen’s Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette with Shallots and Garlic. A flavor sensation!
The Ultimate Kale, Romaine and Chickpea Salad with Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing
Chock full of antioxidants and complementary flavors! The Roasted Garlic Tahini Dressing is a game-changer for every cook, full of zesty-robust tang. I enjoy serving with spiced grilled chicken for a main course salad.
Fall Salad with Chèvre and Apples
A salad to “fall” in love with! Starring Fall ingredients like Radicchio, Pink Pearl Apples, Pink Radishes, Delicata Squash and teamed with Chèvre Cheese and Pistachios. There are endless ways to compile a Fall Salad ~ first think what’s in season, the flavors you like, multiple textures and colors.
Grilled Peach Salad with Sweet & Sour Vinaigrette
A Must Try Summer Salad ~ So simple, fresh & delicious! Summer peaches are sweet and juicy and their flavor intensifies on the grill. Simple Ingredients ~ Yellow and White Grilled Peaches, Toasted Hazelnuts & Almonds, Red Oak Lettuce, Little Gem Lettuce, Colorful Cherry Tomatoes and an Awesome Sweet and Sour Vinaigrette with Honey, Mustard […]
Summer Strawberry Salad with Walnuts, Feta and Maple-Walnut Vinaigrette
Seasonal Lettuces and Vegetables team with the Juiciest Strawberries with the perfect Zesty Vinaigrette
Strawberry and Beet Salad with Strawberry-Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
This vibrant salad is crave-worthy and perfect for entertaining! Correctly roasting brings a wonderful flavor and texture to beets. I have prepared them every way: shaved raw, grated, boiled, steamed and roasted. My oven roasting method I think is my favorite ~ beets get a golden color and depth of flavor, and cook quicker than […]
Antioxidant Kale Salad with Lemony Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing
Healthful, good-for-you ingredients with amazing flavors. Say “YES” to more plant-based foods in your regime. This nutritious and delicious salad includes: organic red curly kale, heirloom cherry tomatoes, chick peas, breakfast radishes, cooked quinoa, roasted butternut squash, natural sliced toasted almonds, sun gold (yellow)kiwi and microgreens
Shaved Carrot Slaw
A great little side dish, sweet & sour with a little kick. Heirloom Carrots make it special. Great served with: Glazed Hoisin Salmon with Pine Nuts (see recipe)
Buddha Bowl With Beets, Quinoa and a Bevy of Vegetables
Buddha bowls are trending for good reason – they’re one bowl meals packed with grains, veggies, protein, a homemade dressing and finished with seeds or nuts. Use ingredients you have on hand, love ~ or follow my delicious recipe How did it get its name? A bowl which is packed so full that it has a rounded […]
Fabulous Fattoush ~ A Middle Eastern Salad with Vegetables and Toasted Bread
There is nothing better than a Fattoush Salad in Summer with seasonal, glistening vegetables! Pita bread is toasted in the oven with olive oil and Za’atar seasoning and tossed into the salad. Finish with a Zesty Lemony Sumac Dressing This is a wonderfully, healthy salad you can tailor to your taste… toss in fresh farmers’ […]
Rhubarb and Goat Cheese Bruschetta Over a Salad with Rhubarb & Shallot Vinaigrette
Three Rhubarb recipes come together in this marvelous, fresh salad with a Savory Bruschetta. Rhubarb is one of those flavors that is deliciously addicting – Tart to the taste ~ an incredible ingredient to cook as the crimson color and heady perfumy scent stands out.
Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing
The perfect Restaurant Quality Spring Salad! Choose fat asparagus and cook indoors in a grill pan – or outdoors in warmer weather. Mache Lettuce, Radicchio, Purple Spring Onions, Toasted Almonds, Fresh Mango Cubes, Blood Orange Slices and Grilled Fat Asparagus Spears all come together for a memorable, Restaurant-Syle Salad at Home.
Winter White Salad with Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette
A beautiful, crispy and crunchy salad with Winter-White Vegetables. Chioggia Beets add a touch of crimson color, as does the rind of the Pears and Black Radish. A restaurant quality salad which is easy and fun to prepare.
Thanksgiving Leftover Chef Salad ~ Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette
Make the most of your Thanksgiving leftovers with this healthy & tasty salad. Use what you have! Drizzle with this Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette (it takes minutes to prepare!)
Fall Salad with Pears, Pomegranate Seeds and Zesty Garlic Confit Vinaigrette
A light Fall Salad with crunchy textures dressed with a Zesty-Lemony Vinaigrette with Confit Garlic A delicious and healthy Fall Salad with Caramelized Pears, three Greens, julienned Purple Carrots, Pecan Halves, Pomegranate Seeds and an awesome Zesty Garlic Confit Vinaigrette. Serve with my Garlic Cheesy Toast (with Garlic Confit)
Eggplant Parm Salad: Deconstructed
Crispy Eggplant roasted in the oven teams with Romaine, Mozzarella, Heirloom Tomatoes, a Zesty Dressing and plenty of Basil ~ a satisfying and interesting twist! Eggplant turns out crispy with a creamy, soft center. Not fried but oven-roasted with lots of flavor from the sourdough breadcrumbs, parmesan reggiano cheese and oregano.
Simple Tomato & Feta Salad with Dill and Radish Vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomatoes ~ Bite-Sized, Team up with Creamy French Feta Cubes with a Zesty Vinaigrette for a Simple Summer Salad. Just picked flavors of the smaller sized tomatoes, simply cut in half team with sliced cubes of French Feta, drenched in Fresh-Cut Dill – a goat’s milk variety made in France which is slightly drier and […]
Karen’s Quinoa Tabbouleh – Vegetable Salad (Naturally Gluten-Free)
My version of they healthy Middle Eastern Salad spiked with a melange of Vegetables is tossed in a Zesty Lemony- Scallion Dressing. One of the healthiest salads you can eat. Refreshing and Addictive!
Wood Fired Beet Salad with Avocado-Citrus Vinaigrette
Simply Delicious ~ Wood Fired Infused Smoked Beets easily prepared on your grill. Finish the Salad with Petite Greens and a Zesty Avocado-Citrus Vinaigrette.
Modern Shrimp Louis Salad
A Comeback for a Classic Dish! This fresh, seafood-rich trendsetter recipe of the early 20th century takes on a modern flair with Fresh (not frozen) Pink Shrimp and a zippy Louis Sauce
Black Rice Salad with Raw and Roasted Vegetables, Feta Cheese and Oregano-Citrus Vinaigrette
IS BLACK THE NEW BROWN? The ultimate antioxidant salad loaded with great taste, texture and color.
Fruit and Nut Salad with Kaniwa, Blueberries, Almonds and Kale
The Ultimate Anti-Oxidant Salad Bursting with Color and Flavor… It’s Berry-Good!
Salad Wedge with Chimichurri Dressing, Feta, Radishes and Pepitas
An easy salad with a good crunch that is simple and delicious! Transforms the ingredients of Chimichurri into a healthy and delectable creamy dressing.
Carrot-Coconut-Mint Salad with Sesame-Ginger Dressing
Three recipe suggestions below using the Sesame-Ginger Dressing – which is also an awesome marinade!
Little Gem Salad with Cara Cara Caesar-ish Dressing with Garlic Parmesan Toasts
It’s Winter Citrus Season – these low acid, sweet Cara Cara navel oranges entice a Caesar-style dressing with zest! A Wonderful – Simple Salad with crunch and a daily dose of garlic.
Winter Salad with Grilled Radicchio and Pomegranate-Macadamia Vinaigrette
My favorite winter ingredients together in a salad worthy of entertaining. Bitter and sweet flavors with crunch and a decadent dressing.
Waldorf Salad with Roasted Delicata Squash, Kale and Apples
This classic American salad gets a revamp with a lighter taste. Lots of crunch from the seasonal apples, celery and walnuts with mellow additions ~ kale, roasted squash, grapes and a creamy yogurt-mayo cinnamon dressing. A new classic!
Beet, Tomato and Radish Salad ~ Beet Green Vinaigrette
A summer bonanza of colors and flavors! Use the beet greens to make an earthy and delicious vinaigrette
Zucchini Noodles with Sun Dried Tomato Pesto
Steamed Spiralized Zucchini topped with a Pungent Sun Dried Pesto with Basil Leaves and Pine Nuts – A healthy low-carb delicious dish
Potato Salad with Artichokes – Lemon Thyme Dressing
A light and zesty potato salad perfect to serve outdoors with your favorite Bar-B-Que favorites. A quick and easy recipe… use just one bowl!
Sunset Vinaigrette (and Salad)
A Gorgeous and Healthful Salad and Dressing Bathed in the Hues of a Sunset
Roasted Eggplant Salad with a Meyer Lemon-Ginger Dressing
Caramelized Roasted Eggplant teams up with Peppers, Cucumbers, Olives, Parsley, Mint, Toasted Almonds, Crispy Shallot Rings and a Zesty Meyer Lemon-Ginger Dressing – A Healthy Mediterranean Twist!
Fall Salad ~ Greens, Nuts and Fruits with a Pickled Radish and Apple Vinaigrette
A Restaurant Quality Salad! A creative mix of Butter Lettuce, Roasted Green Beans, Aged Italian Cheese, Pistachios, Figs and Watermelon Radish with a Pickled Radish & Apple Dressing. Simply Delicious.
Raw Slaw
The best coleslaw ever!! Raw summer market vegetables chopped with a light, creamy dressing (non dairy) ~ perfect addition to any BBQ menu.
Super Crunch Salad
Produce is coming into its peak season – indulge in nature’s finest offerings with this super hydrating, super crunch salad! Pair with super-refreshing Carrot Sorbet!
Mojo Chicken Salad with Cornbread Croutons
“Mojo” Chicken is bursting with Zesty-Infused flavors. Your new go-to marinade for the ultimate intensity on the grill.
