Currently Browsing: Salad Dressings & Vinaigrettes
Peruvian Grilled Chicken Paillard with Citrus, Herb & Aji Amarillo Pepper Marinade
Glorious Flattened Chicken Breasts are bathed in a Zesty & Pungent Peruvian Citrus Marinade and simply grilled. Add lettuces and a raw vegetable salad for a healthy meal. After a hour in the zesty marinade – the flattened chicken is simply grilled – it’s that easy! I have used a cast iron grill pan indoors […]
Peruvian Citrus & Herb Marinade with Aji Amarillo Peppers
A zesty and pungent citrus marinade made in a blender with wonderfully spicy and fruity Aji Amarillo Peppers. Fabulous to flavor Chicken, Fish, Vegetables and Vegan Proteins. Perfect with my Grilled Chicken Paillard Salad. Place all ingredients in a blender and whirl – I add some parsley (or use cilantro) at the end for some […]
Spicy Citrus Chili Shrimp and What to Do With Them
An easy and pungent marinade transforms Shrimp with intense flavor. Simply grill with sesame seeds in a cast iron skillet. Add a simple glaze or use as part of a Spa Salad with Roasted Veggies, Rice Noodles and an Asian Orange-Sesame Vinaigrette. A Lightened-Up Version! Lightened Up and Delicious! For a Light Spa Salad – Serve […]
Karen’s Spa Asian Orange-Sesame Vinaigrette
A blast of flavors with a citrus essence – a flavorful vinaigrette! Lighter in calories; with less oil. So many uses… I love it drizzled over my Spa Salad with Spicy Grilled Citrus Shrimp & Rice Noodles. High on flavor…lower in calories! A very ZESTY Vinaigrette that can add flavor to so many composed salads, […]
The BEST Easy Russian Dressing for Roast Turkey & Beyond
This easy and ZESTY Russian dressing features just 3 Ingredients! Perfect for dipping turkey, slathering on a sandwich or tossing in a salad. Includes Mayonnaise, Ketchup and Karen’s “Shaken” Italian Dressing. Here’s How I like my Russian Dressing: One part Mayonnaise – I use Organic without Natural Flavorings One part Ketchup – I use Organic without […]
Garlic-Garlic Vinaigrette (with my “Garlic Crisp” Recipe for Salads)
I’m Crazy About Garlic! This Amazing Zesty Vinaigrette uses Garlic Three Ways. Minced Garlic ~ Softened Garlic ~ Garlic Oil. Tangy, Garlicky – Liquid GOLD! Drizzle Over Salads and more. My Garlic-Garlic Vinaigrette uses GARLIC THREE WAYS: Raw Garlic; finely chopped Quick Garlic Confit; softened peeled cloves gently cooked in olive oil (a milder flavor […]
20 Best Summer Salads! And NEW: Karen’s Summer Greek Salad with Peaches & Fennel
My collection of FABULOUS, Creative & Healthy Salads for Everyday and Special Occasions. The freshest ingredients produce the most flavorful salads! Summer salads are about mixing up nature’s bounty ~ “the true taste of summer!” I’ve added Fresh Summer Peaches and Fennel (found at a farmers’ market) to classic ingredients of the Greek Salad. Adds […]
Karen’s Summer Greek Salad with Peaches & Fennel
I’ve added Fresh Summer Peaches and Fennel (found at a farmers’ market) to classic ingredients of the Greek Salad. Adds interesting flavors and natural sweetness. I use crispy Romaine Lettuce, Local Red Leaf Lettuce, Heirloom Tomatoes, Purple Peppers, Red Onions, Colorful Radishes, Cucumbers, Kalamata Olives, Sheep Milk Feta, Dill and Parsley. The Salad is Topped with […]
Quattro Colore Beet Salad with Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette
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. A Simple Beet Salad Showing Off Their Natural Glorious Colors. Four different colored beets are sliced with a pungent vinaigrette and pickled onions. For the Quattro Colore Beet Salad – […]
Corn Salad with Browned Butter Vinaigrette
Fresh Corn off the Cob teams with Heirloom Green Tomatoes and tossed with a Nutty & Toasted Brown Butter Vinaigrette. Fresh Zesty Flavors with Crunch! A treasured Summer Recipe. I like this color combo – minimalist; just yellow & green. These tiger striped green heirloom tomatoes are incredibly sweet and low in acid. The vinaigrette […]
Fresh Fig & Herb Balsamic Dressing (using my Fig-Rosemary Jam)
A delicious and aromatic dressing, slightly thickened & sweetened. A restaurant quality dressing best made when figs are in season. The recipe starts with this jam! (see the recipe) Ingredients in this Fabulous Salad: Grilled Sliced Chicken Breast (I brushed some Fig Jam on top just off the grill), Organic Red Butter Lettuce, Watermelon Radish, […]
Pistachio Crusted Branzino with Grapefruit Salad
A Restaurant Quality meal you can make at home! Featuring Pistachio Crusted Fish with a Grapefruit-Butter Sauce and Composed Grapefruit Salad You’ll love this salad: See the linked Salad Recipe: Composed Grapefruit Salad with Ginger-Grapefruit Vinaigrette Try it on top of the pistachio-crusted fish.. or by itself! “Suprême” refers to the classic culinary technique of […]
Composed Grapefruit Salad with Ginger-Grapefruit Vinaigrette
A Mix of Healthy Lettuces with Ruby Grapefruit Segments Lacquered with a Zesty Citrus Vinaigrette As you know, I love the flavor and tang of Citrus Fruits! This simple composed salad takes just minutes to prepare. Start by whisking the Ginger-Grapefruit Vinaigrette – I like using Red Ruby Grapefruit Juice for its punch of crimson […]
After Thanksgiving Recipes with your Leftovers
Here’s what I’m cooking up with the holiday’s leftovers. Soup, Salad, Throw-back Casserole, Tacos, Chef Salad, Frittata and more – create new meals for the week with minimal effort. After Thanksgiving – besides dunking roast turkey into russian dressing (homemade of course) I crave this soup! It’s zesty lemony flavor with many vegetables mingling in […]
Thanksgiving 2022 – Mastering Turkey & Gravy PLUS All the SIDES
Make the most flavorful turkey with a memorable gravy you will make every year. See my tricks and hints! Plus – let’s also get serious with a Creative & Healthy Mix of Crave Worthy SIDE DISHES. It’s all about the gravy! Learn how to make a dark, caramelized and flavorful gravy – and it’s not […]
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 […]
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 […]
How to Make Falafel at Home – With Zesty Tahini Sauce
A Middle Eastern plant-based healthful fritter does not need to be deep fried. See my method for pan-frying and then finishing in the oven for the tastiest falafel! Gluten Free. Crispy & Crunchy with tender insides and bold flavors – enjoy making them at home! Falafel is a fantastic vegan-friendly meal that is packed full of […]
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 […]
Salmon with Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Butter Sauce
My favorite Spring Meal! Perfectly cooked Salmon with a luscious Rhubarb Vanilla Bean Sauce and a Spring Vegetable Salad Spring Rhubarb Season is Here at Last! Rhubarb Jam is easily transformed into this luscious Rhubarb Butter Sauce. I love the process of Jam-making! Finding the perfect seasonal fruit and stirring it up in a pot […]
Karen’s Simple Rhubarb Vinaigrette
The perfect vinaigrette for your Spring Salads and great for drizzling on top of vegetables! A A beautiful color and light and fruity flavor ~ my favorite Spring Dressing This Rhubarb Vinaigrette has just a few simple ingredients. Start with my Rhubarb Vinegar, and add minced garlic & sea salt. Drizzle in neutral oil slowly until […]
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. This dressing is simple to make – a few tricks, and you will learn how to emulsify it correctly! Preserved Lemons are special. The lemon flavor intensifies and the salt and fermentation creates a punchy umami characteristic that lends incredible depth to dishes. […]
Peruvian Potato Salad with Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette
These steamed potatoes are naturally bright purple and team brilliantly with Olives, Scallions and Parsley with this Zesty Vinaigrette I’m loving these Peruvian Purple Potatoes! Beyond an exceptional dose of antioxidants – they are sweet and the deep-purple color can brighten anyone’s day! I steam them whole, peel when cool and cube them. Mixing them with […]
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” […]
Citrus Vinaigrette with Vanilla Beans
A dressing with ZEST! With Clementine & Meyer Lemon Juice plus zest from Buddha’s Hand. Add a touch of vanilla beans for balance of floral and caramel notes. Fabulous on my Citrus Salad!
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 […]
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!
Karen’s Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette with Shallots and Garlic
The perfect Zesty Vinaigrette for Salads and Beyond! This vinaigrette is my daily salad dressing staple! Easily whisk ingredients together and store in the refrigerator. Terrific paired with my: Radicchio Salad with Mustard Croutons and Grainy Mustard Vinaigrette
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-Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette
I’m loving this vinaigrette! Puréed Strawberries are blended in – lending a beautiful color and natural sweetness.
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 […]
Lemony Extra Virgin Olive Oil Dressing with Many Uses
A zesty and healthy dressing you whisk and refrigerate. Drizzle on lettuces, composed salads and serve on the side of roasted vegetables or fish.
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
Heirloom Tomatoes Over Pasta with Garlic Breadcrumbs and Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette
Heirloom Tomatoes are at their peak right now – take advantage of their superior taste and beautiful hues This recipe is a breeze ~ Tomatoes Marinate in a Zesty Vinaigrette – then tossed with Spaghetti (while it’s still warm to “grab” the flavor of the dressing.) Garlic breadcrumbs top the dish and add a nice crunchy […]
Shallot-Thyme Vinaigrette
For a mild yet flavorful vinaigrette, cook garlic cloves slowly in extra virgin olive oil, add shallots
Beet and Tahini Dressing
A creamy tart-nutty dressing with a gorgeous pink hue. Healthy and a great addition to a composed salad Try this dressing on my: Buddha Bowl With Beets, Quinoa and a Bevy of Vegetables (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 […]
Zesty Sumac- Lemon Dressing
A tart an aromatic dressing, perfect for Mediterranean Salads. Pomegranate Molasses adds a boost of flavor and color. Sumac has a lovely, nearly purple color, and a tart flavor that is reminiscent of vinegar or lemon
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.
Rhubarb and Shallot Vinaigrette
This Zesty Vinaigrette dresses up greens with an essence of Rhubarb. Make these delectable Bruschettas to serve with the salad
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. Enjoy the flavors of […]
Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing
A Zesty Citrus Dressing – adds a great tang and balance to your favorite salads – and a wonderful color Try: Spring Grilled Asparagus Salad ~ Blood Orange Buttermilk Dressing (see recipe) A restaurant quality Spring Salad
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.
Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette
A Zesty Pink Peppercorn Vinaigrette adds tang and bite. Drizzle over: Winter White Salad (see recipe) Pink Peppercorns have a fruity and peppery flavor. They aren’t actually, in fact, a member of the peppercorn family, but are the berries of Peruvian pepper tree that grows throughout South America. Buy them whole and grind in a spice grinder, crush […]
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!)
Cranberry Sauce Vinaigrette
Use your leftover Cranberry Sauce… you know you’ll have some! Make a delicious Vinaigrette, perfect for your salad creations after Thanksgiving.
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)
Zesty Garlic Confit Vinaigrette
A Zesty-Lemony Vinaigrette with mellow Garlic Confit ~ softened Garlic and Oil
Zesty Dill and Radish Vinaigrette
A quick emulsified dressing with glorious color and flavor. Team with my Simple Tomato & Feta Salad with Dill and Radish Vinaigrette (see recipe)
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 […]
Grilled Shrimp & Pineapple with Gingery-Miso Dressing
A Quick Healthy Summer Meal Served Hot Off the Grill. Make the Zesty Gingery-Miso Dressing ahead for a speedy recipe. Pineapple is wonderful grilled and adds natural sweetness to the dish.