Pacific Northwest Spinach Salad Food

WILD RICE AND CHANTERELLE SALAD WITH DRIED FRUIT, GOAT CHEESE, AND WALNUTS

Steps:

• To prepare the rice: Wash the rice under cold water for 2 minutes. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil and add the salt, bay leaf, and thyme. Add the washed rice to the boiling water and simmer for 40 minutes, or until tender. Drain the rice and remove the bay leaf and thyme; let cool. (This can be done 1 day ahead of time and refrigerated.) You should have 7 cups cooked rice.
• In a large skillet, heat the grapeseed or canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes, or until lightly browned. Remove from heat, drain well, and set aside.
• To make the vinaigrette: In a small bowl whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, shallots, fennel, cumin, thyme, and pepper and season with salt. Add the dried fruits.
• In a salad bowl, combine the cooled wild rice, cooked mushrooms, and walnuts. Toss with the vinaigrette and fruits.
• To serve, portion the salad onto a large platter, top with the greens, and sprinkle with the goat cheese.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SPINACH SALAD

Steps:

• 1. To make the dressing, in a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper to taste. Cover tightly and shake vigorously to blend. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Set aside.
• 2. Place the onions in a medium bowl and cover with cold water. Let stand for 15 minutes. This crisps the onion and takes away the raw onion taste. Drain well and pat dry on paper towels.
• 3. In a small bowl, toss the cranberries with 2 tablespoons of the dressing to soften them. Set aside for 15 minutes or until ready to serve the salad.
• 4. To assemble the salad, place the spinach, onions, and pears in a large bowl. Give the remaining dressing a last-minute shake and pour over the salad. Toss to coat evenly. Arrange the salad in a large serving bowl or divide it evenly among 8 salad plates. Scatter the cranberries and hazelnuts over the top(s). Serve immediately.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST PRAWN, RICOTTA AND SPINACH PASTA

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine first five ingredients; set aside.
• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta for 10 minutes or until tender but firm.
• Stir in prepared olive oil mixture. Cover to keep warm.
• In a large skillet, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add prawns and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Add tomatoes, cooked pasta and spinach and toss over the heat just until the spinach is wilted.
• Sprinkle with ricotta and parmesan and fold in gently.
• Serve immediately.

PACIFIC NORTHWEST SALAD

Steps:

• In small bowl, whisk together all vinaigrette ingredients. Can be made up to 3 days ahead.
• Cut 2 of the pears ito 1/2" pieces. Melt butter in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pears; sprinkle with 1/4 tsp pepper and 1/8 tsp salt. Cook 4-6 minutes or until golden brown and softened. Recipe can be made to this point up to 4 hours ahead. Let stand at room temperature.
• Place cooked pears in center of 8 salad plates. In large bowl, toss salad mix with vinaigrette. Place on top of pears; sprinkle with cheese and nuts. Slice remaining 2 pears; arrange over greeens.

SPINACH BASIL AVOCADO SALAD

Steps:

• Instructions Wash and prep your vegetables. In a bowl combine chopped spinach and basil. Place on top of spinach the avocado, corn, butternut squash, red peppers, red onion, feta cheese, and jalapeño. Serve with Navidi's Honey Ginger White Balsamic Vinegar or serve with dressing of your choice.