Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Mixed Greens with Apple, Grapes Craisins, Walnuts and Apple Vinaigrette - 52 Specialty Salads


A Classic example of a simple salad turned into something special.

The mixed greens is a store bought bagged salad.

Slice an apple.  I do like the Ambrosia variety of Apples.  Tasty and also are slow to discolor after slicing.

Cut a few grapes (if you are really rushed, just add the grapes uncut).

A a couple little handfuls of what's in the pantry (Craisins and nuts are usually in mine).

Make your own vinaigrette to match the salad.  A Jam Jar fresh made vinaigrette are so easy.  Once you make a couple they become second nature.  Measurements are approximate and can be adjusted "to Taste".

Enjoy your lunch!

OH, and if you are ever asked to cater a meal, a specialty salad like this can be put together in minutes, and anytime you say the words, "Fresh made vinaigrette", your clients get real excited!


OK... Here's what I did...


Mixed Greens with Apple, Craisins, Walnuts and Apple Vinaigrette


Ingredients
  • A Big Handful of Mixed Greens
  • A Little Handful of Walnuts
  • A Little Handful of Craisins
  • A Little Handful of Grapes (Sliced and Quartered)
  • Half an Apple, Cored and Sliced
  • FOR THE APPLE VINAIGRETTE - 2 TBS Apple Juice (can substitute 1 TBS Apple Cider Vinegar)
  • 2 TBS Olive Oil
  • 1 TBS Honey
  • 1 TBS Yellow Mustard
  • Pinch of Salt
  • Pinch of Pepper
  • OPTIONAL - Pinch of Sugar to Taste
Cooking Directions
  1. There really should be a measurement for "A Big Handful". My guess... About 2 Cups. So, arrange 2 Cups of Mixed Greens on a plate.
  2. "A Little Handful" is about 1/2 A Cup (my guess). But really at this stage, add to taste. If you like Craisins, add more. If you Like hints of nutty flavors but do not want the flavors to overwhelm the taste... use less. If you must follow a measurement...
  3. FOR THE VINAIGRETTE... Combine all remaining ingredients in a sealed jar. Shake like hell for about 2 minutes until everything is incorporated.
  4. Add 1/2 Cup Craisins
  5. Add 1/2 Cup Walnuts
  6. Add 1/2 Cup of Sliced Grapes
  7. Slice the Apple and arrange everything in an attractive pattern.
  8. Taste. Add additional salt, pepper, sugar as desired.
  9. Just before serving, pour over the salad, serve chilled and ENJOY!

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So,  I am pleased to list this as one of my Growing list of  "52 Ways to Cook Side Dish Recipes"!!!

Sure the meat gets all the glory but real cooks know it's the spread... the specialty Side Dishes that makes a meal rise or fall. Here's a few of my favorite recipes that will help to create that illusive COMPLETE MENU!

LOTS of Potato Sides, Vegetable Sides, Specialty Salads, Bread and MORE!

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So,  I am pleased to list this as one of my Growing list of  "52 Specialty Salad Recipes"!!!

Sometimes they are the main course, sometimes a lunch and sometimes they are the side dish... And if you count Jell-o salad you can even make a dessert of a salad.  Here are a few of my favorite salads that get far more Ooohs and Aaahs than that simple chopped head of lettuce.

Links include Potato Salads, Cole Slaws, and Plenty of greens and fixins' Salads... And more than a few matching FRESH MADE Jam Jar make it yourself Salad Dressings!

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