Rosauras Festive Salad Food

RED, GREEN AND WHITE CHRISTMAS SALAD

Steps:

• Fill a large pot with water and bring to boil.
• Cut the woody ends off the asparagus, then cut the asparagus into 3. Separate the asparagus heads from the stems.
• Trim the beans and place in a separate pile.
• Remove the strings along each side of the snow peas.
• Place the beans in the boiling water. When the water comes back to the simmer again, leave the beans to simmer for 30 seconds. (Note 1)
• Add the asparagus stems in. Once it comes back up to a simmer, count 30 seconds again. Then add the snow peas and asparagus heads, bring it back up to a simmer and count to 30 seconds.
• Immediately drain the greens and run cold water over the greens for 10 seconds to stop the cooking process.
• Once cool, set aside to dry. Roughly dry with a paper towel if serving immediately.
• Combine the Dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well to mix.
• Place the greens in a bowl and toss with the Dressing.
• Transfer to a serving bowl, crumble over feta and scatter with dried cranberries. Serve immediately.

CHRISTMAS SALAD

Steps:

• Line a plate with parchment. Toss the pecans with the pumpkin pie spice, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper in a small bowl. Add the mixture to a small nonstick skillet and heat over medium heat, tossing frequently, until the spices begin to brown and become fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon of the honey and cook, stirring constantly, until the honey begins to caramelize and the pecans are well coated, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to the prepared plate, making sure the pecans are in an even layer and not stacked on top of each other. Let cool completely, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, place a small bowl that can hold 1 cup of salad dressing in the center of a large platter. Toss the arugula, frisee and radicchio in a large bowl. Spread the lettuce mixture in a circle to resemble a wreath around the bowl on the platter.
• Slice both ends off one of the oranges and set the fruit flat-side down on a cutting board. With a paring knife, slice the peel and the pith off in sections, following the shape of the orange. Remove whole segments by cutting towards the center of the orange along a membrane. Then slice along the adjacent membrane to release the segment. Place the segments in a small bowl. Squeeze the juice from the remaining membranes into a medium bowl.
• Halve the remaining orange and squeeze the juice into the medium bowl (you should have about 1/3 cup). Whisk in the vinegar, Dijon, remaining 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until emulsified. Pour the dressing into the bowl in the center of the platter.
• To serve, scatter the honeyed pecans, orange segments, pomegranate seeds and feta cheese over top of the lettuce wreath.

BIG FESTIVE SALAD

Steps:

• For the candied nuts: In a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, toast the pistachios and hazelnuts until fragrant, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the brown sugar, salt, vanilla and 1 tablespoon water directly to the pan with the nuts and stir to coat them. Cook until the sugar has dissolved, about 1 additional minute. Transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow to cool, 12 to 15 minutes.
• For the dressing: Combine the olive oil, vinegar, maple syrup, mustard, salt and pepper in a mason jar. Secure the lid and shake to combine. Set aside.
• For the salad: Spread the arugula, kale and spinach over a large round platter, leaving space in the center of the platter (it should look like a holiday wreath). Top the greens with the radicchio. Arrange the mandarin segments over the greens. Sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds, cranberries, blueberries and cooled candied nuts.
• Lastly, sprinkle with the Parmesan, creating the look of snow. Shake the dressing one more time and pour it into a serving bowl. Place the bowl in the center of the platter and serve.

FESTIVE SALAD WITH TOMATOES, BASIL AND MOZZARELLA IN A CREAMY VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• For the dressing: In a jar with a lid, combine the oil, Champagne vinegar, shallots, mustard, garlic and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Tightly close the lid and shake so the dressing is well combined.
• For the salad: Put the mixed greens and romaine in a large bowl. Add enough dressing so that each leaf is lightly coated when tossed. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper. Transfer the lettuce to a serving platter or bowl.
• Scatter the tomatoes and mozzarella balls over the salad along with the pine nuts and finally the basil leaves. Serve immediately.

MAROULOSALATA (GREEK ROMAINE SALAD)

Steps:

• Wash and dry romaine lettuce. Lay leaves on a cutting board and slice lengthwise across the leaves, shredding them into 1/4-inch strips.
• Transfer lettuce to a large bowl. Add scallions, dill, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper; toss until well combined. Adjust oil, vinegar, and seasoning to taste.

CONTEST-WINNING FESTIVE TOSSED SALAD

Steps:

• For dressing, place first five ingredients in a blender; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Add poppy seeds; pulse just until combined. , To serve, place remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with dressing.

ROSAURA'S FESTIVE SALAD

Steps:

• Stir together soy sauce, vinegar, and chicken bouillon granules. Add herbs, then add oil in a slow stream, whisking constantly.
• Heat vegetable oil in a heavy skillet and fry bread cubes in 2 batches, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 2 minutes.
• Combine vegetables, candied citron, and three fourths of croutons and amaranth seeds in a large bowl and toss well with vinaigrette. Sprinkle with remaining croutons and amaranth seeds.

MEXICAN FIESTA SALAD

Steps:

• In a salad bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. In a small bowl, combine the salsa, sour cream and ranch dressing. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat.

FESTIVE RED SALAD

Steps:

• Quarter the cabbage, then cut out the white core at the bottom and discard. Finely shred the cabbage and tip into a large mixing bowl with the onions, apples, beetroot and walnuts. Finely grate over the zest from the oranges.
• Cut a little from the top and bottom of each orange, so they sit flat on your work surface. Use a small, serrated knife to cut away the peel and pith in strips down the orange. Holding each orange over a bowl, cut away the segments, letting them and any juice drop into the bowl. Squeeze any juice left in the membranes into the bowl, too. Fish out the segments, roughly chop and add to the salad.
• Whisk the red wine vinegar, redcurrant jelly, honey and oil into the orange juice with some seasoning, then stir into the salad. Will keep for 3-4 days in the fridge.