Barefoot Contessa Mediterranean Salad Food

GREEK SALAD

Steps:

• Place the cucumber, peppers, tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl.
• For the vinaigrette, whisk together the garlic, oregano, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Still whisking, slowly add the olive oil to make an emulsion. Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables. Add the feta and olives and toss lightly. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve at room temperature.

BAREFOOT CONTESSA'S PANZANELLA SALAD

Steps:

• Heat the oil in a large saute pan.
• Add the bread and salt; cook over low to medium heat, tossing frequently, for 10 minutes, or until nicely browned.
• Add more oil as needed.
• For the Vinaigrette.
• Whisk all the ingredients together.
• In a large bowl, mix the tomatoes, cucumber, red pepper, yellow pepper, red onion, basil, and capers.
• Add the bread cubes and toss with the vinaigrette.
• Season liberally with salt and pepper.
• Serve, or allow the salad to sit for about half an hour for the flavors to blend.

BAREFOOT CONTESSA PASTA WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATOES - INA GARTEN

Steps:

• Cook pasta in large pot of boiling, salted water with splash of oil. Boil 12 minutes, or according to directions on package. Drain well and allow to cool.
• Place pasta in bowl and add tomatoes, olives, mozzarella and chopped sun-dried tomatoes.
• To make dressing: Combine sun-dried tomatoes, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, capers, salt and pepper in food processor until almost smooth.
• Pour dressing over pasta, sprinkle with Parmesan and basil and toss well.

INA GARTEN'S GREEK SALAD

Steps:

• Place the cucumber, peppers, tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl.
• For the vinaigrette, whisk together the garlic, oregano, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Still whisking, slowly add the olive oil to make an emulsion.
• Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables.
• Add the feta and olives and toss lightly.
• Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve at room temperature.
• Tips from me:
• To reduce the sharpness of the onion, soak the sliced onion in ice cold water for 30 minutes and pat with paper towels to dry, before adding to salad.
• To cut down on prep time, place a single layer of cherry/grape tomatoes between two Tupperware lids (or flat plates, etc.) and slice through all of them at once, using a sharp knife.

MIDDLE EASTERN VEGETABLE SALAD

Steps:

• Place the scallions, tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, parsley, mint, and basil in a large salad bowl and toss to combine.
• In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Slowly whisk in the olive oil to make an emulsion. Pour the dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat all the vegetables. Add the feta, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss gently. Serve the salad with the toasted pita bread.

POTATO SALAD (BAREFOOT CONTESSA) INA GARTEN

Steps:

• Place potatoes and 2 tablespoons of salt in large pot of water. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer 10-15 minutes, until the potatoes are barely tender when pierced with a knife *.(See recipe update introduction.).
• Drain the potatoes (skins on) in a colander, then place the colander with the potatoes over the empty pot and cover with a clean, dry kitchen towel.
• Allow the potatoes to steam for 15-20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, dill or parsley, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper, if using.
• Set aside.
• When the potatoes are cool enough to handle, cut them in quarters or in half, depending on their size.
• Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl. While the potatoes are still warm, pour enough dressing over them to moisten.
• Add the celery and red onion, 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Toss well, cover, and refrigerate a few hours to allow the flavors to blend **.(See recipe update - introduction).
• Serve either cold or at room temperature.

GREEK SALAD BY INA GARTEN (BAREFOOT CONTESSA)

Steps:

• Place the cucumber, peppers, tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl.
• For the vinaigrette, whisk together the garlic, oregano, mustard, vinegar, salt and pepper in a small bowl. Still whisking, slowly add the olive oil to make an emulsion.
• Pour the vinaigrette over the vegetables.
• Add the feta and olives and toss lightly.
• Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve at room temperature.