Fresh Herb Salad Food

HERB SALAD

Steps:

• In a blender or food processor, combine the vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well mixed. With the machine running, gradually add the olive oil until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Set aside.
• In a large bowl combine the herbs, arugula, and fennel. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the salad with enough dressing to coat. Sprinkle with edible flowers and serve.

FRESH HERB SALAD

Steps:

• Combine all of the herbs in a mixing bowl. Toss the herbs lightly in the oil. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

ALL-STAR HERB SALAD

Steps:

• In a large, shallow salad bowl, whisk together the vinegars and salt. Whisk in the oil and pepper. Taste for seasoning. Add all the herb leaves and toss to evenly coat the greens with the dressing. Taste for seasoning. Serve in small portions as an accompaniment to roast chicken or grilled or poached fish.
• Variation:
• The dressed salad can also be placed-open-face-sandwich fashion-on top of grilled bread that has brushed with olive oil.

BASIC HERB MARINADE AND SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients except olive oil.
• Slowly add olive oil, whisking constantly, until oil is emulsified.
• May be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in fridge for up to 4 days.

SOFT HERB SALAD

Steps:

• Up to a day before serving, wash the herbs and greens: Fill a large bowl or clean sink with plenty of cold water. Immerse the leaves, swish around to loosen any dirt, then gently lift out. Dry in a salad spinner or by spreading them on clean kitchen towels. (If working ahead, refrigerate the dry leaves in sealed plastic bags or containers. Add a paper towel to each bag to absorb excess water.)
• Melt butter in a frying pan until it sizzles. Add almonds. Sauté over low heat, until the almonds are golden and the butter is browned. Lift out almonds and drain on paper towels, reserving butter. (Butter can be kept for 1 day. Melt and cool again before assembling salad.)
• When ready to serve, place greens in a large bowl. Add salt, pepper, chile flakes, almonds, cooking butter, lemon juice and olive oil. Toss gently and season to taste, then serve immediately.

GRILLED VEGETABLE SALAD WITH FRESH HERB VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate.
• Whisk shallot, red wine vinegar, white balsamic vinegar, garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, parsley, chives, cilantro, and dill together in a large bowl. Slowly stream olive oil into the mixture while whisking vigorously until the oil is incorporated into a smooth and creamy dressing.
• Arrange asparagus, corn, zucchini, yellow squash, green onions, bell pepper, and red onion onto baking sheets. Brush olive oil onto all the vegetables to coat; season with salt and pepper.
• Cook vegetables directly on preheated grill, turning frequently, until slightly charred and just tender, about 5 minutes for green onions, 8 minutes for asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, bell pepper, and red onion, and 10 minutes for corn. Remove vegetables to the baking sheets used for preparation and cool.
• Cut asparagus, green onions, zucchini, yellow squash, and red bell pepper crosswise into 1-inch pieces and put into a large bowl. Quarter red onion slices; add to bowl. Cut corn kernels from cobs; add to bowl. Let vegetables cool to room temperature.
• Drizzle vinaigrette over the vegetable mixture and toss to coat.

CREAMY FRESH HERB SALAD DRESSING

Steps:

• Add cream to food blender. Add all other ingredients. Pulse until desired consistency. Refrigerate at least 8 hours. It tastes so much better after 24 hours, or so.