Holiday Salad Giada De Laurentiis Food

CHRISTMAS SEAFOOD SALAD (CAPPON MAGRO)

Steps:

• For the dressing: Whisk the vinegar, rosemary, lemon juice, garlic and lemon zest in a medium bowl until blended. Gradually whisk in the oil, salt and pepper.
• For the vegetables: Add enough cold water to a heavy large pot to reach a depth of 2 inches. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat and add the salt. Add the green beans, carrots and cauliflower. Cook until crisp-tender, 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the vegetables and place in a bowl to cool.
• For the seafood: Add the wine to the vegetable cooking water. Adjust the heat so the liquid is barely simmering. Add the cod and simmer until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cod and set aside. Add the clams and shrimp to the pot. Cover and cook until all the clams have opened and the shrimp are cooked through and opaque in the center, 4 to 5 minutes. Discard any unopened clams. Remove the pot from the heat.
• To assemble the salad: Arrange the carrots, green beans and cauliflower on a large platter. Arrange the shrimp, clams and cod on top. Drizzle with half of the dressing. Arrange the lemon wedges and beets around the edge of the platter
• Serve the cappon magro with toasted bread and the remaining dressing alongside.

HOLIDAY SALAD - GIADA DE LAURENTIIS

Steps:

• Juice the 2 lemons into a small boil, then add salt, pepper, olive oil, and balsamic (optional, Giada's recipe didn't include it but my version does, how much you use depends on the grade/strength of your balsamic) and whisk together to make the dressing; set aside.
• Get a large, decorative serving bowl and put the prepared endive, apple, and avocado into it.
• Squeeze the juice from the additional 1/2 lemon over the endive, apple, and avocado and toss well- this will keep them from turning brown.
• Add the cheese, cranberries, pomegranate seeds (if using), and corn.
• Just before serving, whisk the dressing again then pour it over the salad and toss to coat.

RAFFY'S HOLIDAY SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk 1/4 cup of the lemon juice with the salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in the oil to blend. Season the dressing with more salt and pepper as needed. (The dressing can be made 8 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Return to room temperature and re-whisk before using.)
• Toss the endive and apples with 2 tablespoons of the lemon juice in a large bowl to coat (the lemon juice will prevent the endive and apples from browning). Drizzle the remaining 1 tablespoon lemon juice over the avocado. Add the avocado, corn and cheese to the endive mixture. Gently toss the salad with enough dressing to coat. Season the salad with more salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle the pomegranate seeds over the salad if desired and serve immediately.

SWEET-AND-SAVORY KALE SALAD

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
• For the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the pomegranate molasses, vinegar and mustard. Pouring in a steady stream, whisk in the olive oil. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. (The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance.)
• For the salad: Scatter the sweet potatoes and pearl onions on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil and season with 1 teaspoon salt. Roast until the potatoes are tender throughout and beginning to brown, about 35 minutes, tossing halfway through. Transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly.
• Add the apples, baby kale and the dressing to the bowl, and season with 1/4 teaspoon salt. Using two wooden spoons, toss gently to combine and coat evenly in the dressing.
• Sprinkle the salad with the pomegranate seeds before serving.