Salad, Salad, I Luv Salad

Most people's idea of salad is simply iceburg lettuce, cucumber, and tomato.  Or, maybe classic ceasar salad for those that like to go all out.  But, there is a plethora of salad possibilities out there just waiting for you to dig in.  Salads are my go to dishes on a hot summer evening or when entertaining for the family.  They go far with just a few ingredients, are inexpensive, and good for you.  Consider upgrading your nightly salad by switching your basic iceburg or romaine for such flavorful greens as arugula, belgian endive, frise', pea shoots, or tasty micro-greens.  Another alternative in lieu of greens is to use a base of hearty veggies such as broccoli or asparagus.  Here are a few of my favorite recipes that I am sure your family will love as much as mine:

Mango Chicken Salad with Belgian Endive this combination of sweet mango with savory endive is the perfect party food as whole endive leaves serve as the vessel for this tasty salad making it as portable as it is tasty.

Ingredients:

2 cups diced cooked chicken breasts

3 cups diced ripe mango

1/4 cup sweet red onion

1/4 cup sweet red bell pepper

1 tsp cayenne pepper

2 tbsp sugar

1 tbsp evoo

salt

fresh black pepper

2 tbsp chopped fresh flat leaf parsley

2 dozen belgian endive leaves cleaned and trimmed

In a large bowl, mix chicken, mango, onions, and peppers together gently pressing the mango as you stir to release juices.  Add cayenne, sugar, and evoo allowing the seasonings to fully incorporate.  Finish the salad with salt and pepper to taste and gently fold in the fresh parsley.  Arrange on a platter with endive leaves surrounding the edges.  

Easy Broccoli Salad this easy salad has few ingredients but is not slight on flavor

4 cups broccoli florets

1/4 cup diced sweet red bell pepper

1/4 cup diced sweet onion (i.e. vidallia)

1/4 ranch dressing

Salt

Fresh Black Pepper

In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together using salt and pepper to taste.  Allow salad to chill for at lest two hours before serving.

Asparagus Salad with Radish Vinaigrette this unique combo of veggies is simple, but intensely flavorful and a surprising delight

1 bunch pencil thin asparagus

1 tsbp finely diced radishes

2 tbsp finely diced sweet red bell pepper

2 tbsp finely diced sweet red onion

1 tsp apple cider vinegar

tsbp evoo

all purpose salt-free herb seasoning

salt

fresh black pepper

In a zip top freezer bag, add the ingredients finishing with just a pinch of coarse salt and fresh pepper.  Store in fridge for at least an hour before serving.  

Consider these options for your next dinner party, brunch, or just as a side dish for Saturday supper. They are sure to add a little something extra to your culinary arsenal.