Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Salad Daze!

Rumor (that is, The Wild Carrot) has it, we'll be getting some good greens this week.

What are your favorite salad dressings?  Do you have a special family recipe?  A weeknight go-to?

Here is our workhorse vinaigrette, which lends itself to wonderful variations, depending on the composition of the salad.  Greens on the bitter side?  Add a teaspoon of Agave nectar, maple syrup, honey or apricot jam.  Pomegranate molasses works beautifully, as well, and adds a warm, fruity note. Want just a hint of spice?  You can use a spicier mustard, and a bit more of it.  Need something richer?  Swap out the white wine vinegar for balsamic, and replace the shallot with garlic.

Another quick salad tip: Save an old mustard or jam jar, and you'll have the perfect salad dressing shaker.  Simply add all the ingredients, and shake until emulsified.

Basic Vinaigrette

3 teaspoons white wine vinegar or freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons minced shallot
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Whisk together, and then slowly whisk in 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil.

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