Spiced Green Salad Food

MEXICAN GREEN SALAD WITH JALAPEñO-CILANTRO DRESSING

Steps:

• First, toast the pepitas: combine the pepitas, olive oil, chili powder and a pinch of salt in a medium skillet over medium heat. Toast the pepitas, stirring frequently (don't let them burn), until they are turning golden on the edges and making little popping noises, about 4 to 7 minutes. Set the skillet aside to cool.
• In a large salad bowl, combine the spring mix, chopped romaine, cauliflower, cabbage, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta cheese, and toasted pepitas. Gently toss, then set aside.
• To make the dressing: Combine all of the ingredients but the red pepper flakes in a blender. Blend until smooth. Taste, and add extra salt if it needs some extra oomph, and or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you'd like more heat. Blend again, then transfer to a small jar with a spout, for serving.
• Divide the salad into individual bowls, top with slices of avocado, and drizzle dressing just before serving. If you intend to have leftovers, store the salad separately from the dressing, and toss individual servings with dressing just before serving. The salad will keep well this way for about 4 to 5 days.

SPICED ALMOND, GRAPE AND MIXED GREEN SALAD

Steps:

• 1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
• 2. Almonds: Combine the almonds and paprika and a pinch of salt. Toss to blend. Transfer to a baking sheet and toast until browned, 5-8 minutes. Set aside.
• 3. Dressing: Whisk all dressing ingredients together in a small bowl, set aside.
• 4. Salad: Place the radishes on a flat surface and, using a small, sharp knife, slice them into ¼ inch rounds (with the bit of the tops still attached).
• 5. Toss the mixed greens, radishes, parsley and grapes to the bowl and toss to blend. Top with the almonds. Serve immediately.

SIMPLE GREEN SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk 1 minced shallot, 1 tablespoon each whole-grain mustard and lemon juice, and salt and pepper. Whisk in 1/3 cup olive oil. Toss with 1 torn romaine heart, 1 torn head Bibb lettuce and 1/2 bunch chopped chives.

SPICED GREEN SALAD

Steps:

• Toast 1/2 teaspoon each ground allspice and cumin in a skillet, about 30 seconds. Mix with the juice of 1 lemon and a pinch each of salt and sugar in a serving bowl, then whisk in 5 tablespoons olive oil. Toss with spring greens, sliced red onion, sliced cucumber and salt.

EVERYDAY GREENS SALAD

Steps:

• For the vinaigrette:
• Combine oil, vinegars, mustard, and honey in a large resealable jar or airtight container; cover and shake vigorously until emulsified, about 30 seconds. Season with salt.
• Do Ahead: Vinaigrette can be made 1 month ahead. Cover and chill. Shake to re-emulsify.
• For the salad:
• Drizzle 3 Tbsp. vinaigrette into a large bowl, coating sides and bottom of bowl. Add greens and herbs (if using). Using your hands, fold greens, working from the bottom, out and up the sides of the bowl, until evenly coated in vinaigrette. Season with salt until greens taste vibrant (you may need to season and toss a few times). Mound salad, higher than wide, on plates or in shallow bowls.

SPICY GREEN SALAD WITH MANCHEGO AND PEARS

Steps:

• Cook seeds in 1 tablespoon oil in a small heavy skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until puffed and beginning to brown, about 4 minutes. Transfer with a slotted spoon to paper towels and reserve oil. Season seeds with salt and pepper.
• Whisk together vinegar, honey, mustard, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add remaining 1/3 cup olive oil and reserved oil from skillet in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified.
• Divide greens and cheese among salad plates. Cut off 2 opposite sides of each pear (reserve for another use), leaving a 1/2-inch-thick lengthwise center slice with stem and core. Arrange a pear slice on each plate and drizzle dressing over salads. Sprinkle with seeds.

SPICY GREEN PAPAYA SALAD

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, combine the fish sauce, lime or lemon juice, and the sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
• Using a mortar and a wood pestle, pound the garlic and chili with a little bit of the papaya to prevent the pepper from spraying you in the eyes. Add the rest of the papaya, tomatoes and fish sauce mixture. Pound gently to blend then adjust seasoning. To serve, place a scoop of the salad in the middle of a plate surrounded by the sliced cabbage then garnish with the dried shrimp and ground peanuts.

SPICY GREEN PAPAYA SALAD

Steps:

• In a small bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients. Place salad ingredients in bowl, pour dressing over top and mix well. Season to taste. The salad will hold up in the refrigerator up to 24 hours. Serve at room temperature.