Garden Layered Salad Food

ALMOST-FAMOUS GARDEN SALAD

Steps:

• Combine all the dressing ingredients and 1 to 2 tablespoons water in a blender or food processor; puree until smooth.
• Place the salad blend in a large bowl and top with the remaining salad ingredients. Drizzle with the dressing.
• Photography by Kate Sears

GARDEN BEAN SALAD

Steps:

• Soak the diced onion in cold water, 10 minutes.
• Whisk the vinegar, sugar and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a large bowl, then whisk in the olive oil. Drain the onion and pat dry, then add to the dressing. Stir in the white beans.
• Bring a saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the green and/or wax beans and cook until crisp-tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain the beans, then plunge into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking. Drain again, pat dry and add to the salad. Marinate at room temperature, tossing occasionally, about 1 hour.
• Before serving, stir the parsley and chives into the salad and season with salt and pepper.

LAYERED GARDEN SALAD

Steps:

• Coarsely shred lettuce, place in salad bowl. Sprinkle frozen peas over lettuce, add eggs (diced), finely sliced mushrooms and grated cheese.
• Combine mayonnaise, mustard, sour cream, lemon and spring onions or finely sliced shallots.
• Pour mayonnaise mix over lettuce and cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours or overnight.
• Before serving fry bacon until crisp, sprinkle on salad mix top with tomato wedges and parsley (fresh or dried) before serving.

SEVEN LAYER SALAD

Steps:

• Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Crumble and set aside.
• In a large flat bowl, place the chopped lettuce and top with a layer of onion, peas, shredded cheese, cauliflower and bacon.
• Prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, sugar and Parmesan cheese. Drizzle over salad and refrigerate until chilled.

GARDEN-FRESH LAYERED PASTA SALAD

Steps:

• Cook pasta as directed on package, omitting salt; drain.
• Layer pasta and next 4 ingredients in clear 3-qt. serving bowl. Mix mayo and dressing until blended; spread over salad, sealing to edge of bowl. Top with cheese, tomatoes and bacon.
• Refrigerate several hours or until chilled. Toss gently before serving.

PERFECT GARDEN SALAD

Steps:

• Tear lettuce into bite sized pieces and wash and dry thoroughly. Place in large salad bowl (wider than it is deep). Top with prepared vegetables.
• Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cheese. Go lightly until you learn how much is "to taste" for you.
• Pour oil over salad, then vinegar. It is important that the oil be first. Quantity requires a bit of practice - go light on the vinegar at first. You can add more if needed. Aim to coat the top layer of vegetables. Toss until well mixed. Taste - add vinegar or oil if needed, and toss again. Do not add dry ingredients (see below). Serve immediately.
• Note: Your first couple salads may not be perfect. If you find that you didn't add enough salt or pepper, let diners add more as served - you can't get it well dispersed if you add to the salad bowl after the oil and vinegar have been added If you find that you added too much vinegar, a little salt can counteract - again, add as served.

GARDEN SALAD

Steps:

• Wash and dry the lettuce, leaves and herbs. Tear larger leaves into bite-size pieces and tip all the greenery into a large salad bowl.
• Put the garlic, onion, parsley and watercress or rocket into a mini chopper or food processor. Blitz until finely chopped. Add the vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper and blitz briefly. Add the oil and blitz until thickened. Drizzle over the salad and toss until the leaves are just coated. You might not need all the dressing, but it will keep in the fridge for a few days.