CHINESE TIGER SALAD

No, I have no idea why it is called Tiger Salad, but I can tell you it is delicious and you should make it… It is yet another recipe from Josette’s blog, and you can read her thoughts about it clicking here.

CHINESE TIGER SALAD WITH CORN AND AVOCADO
(slightly modified from thebrookcook)

2 T sesame seeds, I used black
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
3 T canola oil
2 tsp low-sodium soy sauce
2 tsp oil from a jar of chili crisp
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 tsp unseasoned rice vinegar
1 tsp kosher salt
3 large ears of corn, husked, slightly rubbed with canola oil
2 avocados, cut into large pieces
1 English hothouse cucumber, seeds removed, halves sliced crosswise
1/2 bunch cilantro, coarsely chopped
2 T crumbled queso fresco or Cotija cheese, plus more for garnish


To Make the Dressing: toast the sesame seeds slightly in a dry small skillet over medium heat; transfer to a large shallow bowl. Add lime juice, oil, soy sauce, chili crisp oil, toasted sesame oil, unseasoned rice vinegar, and salt and stir vigorously until salt is dissolved. Set dressing aside.


To Make the Salad: air-fry or grill the corn and remove the kernels from the cobs, placing them in a large bowl. Add avocado, cucumber, and half of the cilantro. Add reserved dressing and toss gently to combine. Taste salad and season with more salt if needed. Top with the cheese, remaining cilantro and more black sesame seeds if you like.

ENJOY!

to print the recipe, click here

Comments: This is quite a satisfying salad thanks to the corn, and very flavorful with all the lime juice, the sesame oil and of course the heat of the chili crisp oil. I took a picture without the cheese, as Phil prefers to skip it, so I added only to my plate. I’ve made the salad again using feta and it also goes super well with all other ingredients. It is an interesting recipe, a marriage of Chinese and Mexican cuisines. It also keeps well, leftovers were great next day, even the avocado was still fine.

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TOMATO AND FRESH PEACH SALAD

You cannot go much simpler than this… Two main ingredients, juicy tomatoes and fresh yellow peaches, a simple dressing, and you are done. Not to mention the presentation that makes it all shine. You definitely need this salad in your life…

TOMATO AND FRESH PEACH SALAD
(very slightly modified from Mother Would Know)

2 Large fresh tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch slices, each slice halved in half-moons
2 Large peaches, cut into half, then cut each half into 1/2-inch half-moons
1 tablespoon Olive oil
2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
Pomegranate molasses to taste
Handful of fresh basil leaves, torn or cut in half if large
2-3 Large pinches Maldon sea salt
Freshly ground pepper


I used yellow and red tomatoes, alternating colors. Arrange the slices of tomatoes and peaches in a circular pattern around a dinner plate (mine was 8 inch in diameter), and place basil leaves in between some of the slices, any amount you like.

Whisk the olive oil and balsamic vinegar together in a small bowl, add to the tomato-peach mixture. Season with salt and pepper, drizzle a little pomegranate molasses all over. If you have time, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.

ENJOY!

to print the recipe, click here

Comments: I love peaches but do not care for the texture of the skin when I eat the fresh fruit, however in this preparation the dressing takes care of my “issues” and I enjoyed it without reservation. Peaches and tomatoes are yet another match made in heaven, this one new to me. Huge thanks to Laura for bringing this into my cooking world!

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WATERMELON SALAD

Years ago I thought that watermelon salads and watermelon skewers with feta cheese, and all things watermelon savory would fade away. But it did not, and I am glad it didn’t. Because putting it simply, watermelon works in many savory concoctions. It is refreshing, has a delicate texture, soaks dressings well, and it does not clash with other ingredients. Give it a try if you have resisted it so far.

WATERMELON SALAD WITH PECANS AND FETA CHEESE
(from The Bewitching Kitchen)

Seeded and cubed watermelon, any amount you like
Mixed color baby lettuce leaves
¾ cup chopped toasted pecans
1 cup crumbled feta cheese, keep in large chunks

For the vinaigrette:
3 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 Tbs agave nectar
1 tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
¼ cup grapeseed oil

Make the vinaigrette by whisking all the ingredients except the oil together. Still whisking, pour the oil to emulsify it well. Reserve.

Make the salad. Combine watermelon and greens in a large bowl; add the vinaigrette, tossing gently to coat. Top with the toasted pecans and feta cheese. Season to taste with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

ENJOY!

to print the recipe, click here

Comments: You can vary this salad in countless ways… different greens, different cheese, different nuts. I love the acidity of the vinaigrette, and I believe some ginger could go well with it also. Try to exercise self-control and don’t pick all the watermelon before your guests or family members had a chance to serve themselves…

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THAI-INSPIRED CUCUMBER AND MANGO SALAD

Courtesy of the one and only Kelly, from Inspired Edibles, this was so simple and so delicious, we already enjoyed it twice. The dressing makes it all shine, although the mango is also a key player. Other fruits could be used, but it is very hard to beat a ripe mango for texture and sweetness here.

THAI-INSPIRED CUCUMBER AND MANGO SALAD
(slightly modified from Inspired Edibles)

For the dressing:
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
1 Tbsp fish sauce
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 Thai chili pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
1 Tbsp cilantro, finely chopped + more for garnish
1 Tbsp brown sugar

For the salad:
2 English cucumbers, washed & sliced (i leave skin on)
1 large ripe and juicy mango, peeled & diced
a few radishes, thinly sliced
sesame seeds for garnish

Make the dressing: in a small jar combine all the ingredients and whisk well, or close with t tight fitting lid and shake away…

For the Salad: place the sliced cucumber, mango and sliced radishes in a serving bowl and toss gently to combine taking care not to mash the mango. When you’re ready to serve, give the Thai dressing another good shake before pouring over salad — mix to combine and add fresh cilantro and sesame seeds on top.

ENJOY!

to print the recipe, click here

Comments: Isn’t that the most gorgeous mango in the world? We got several as a gift from a very sweet departmental colleague and divided them into different recipes, including a mango-melon sorbet made by the husband that turned out spectacular! Make sure to stop by Kelly’s site and look at her original version which might please you more. As you might remember, we don’t use garlic and onions, so keep those ingredients in mind as possible additions if you try it.

I was very surprised that leftovers were still great next day. The cucumbers and radishes held up well, and the mango was just a little softer. Perfect side dish or light meal if you add a nice slice of sourdough bread to soak up the dressing (I am very fond of bread with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and this dressing goes along the same path).


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CRISPY ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH TOASTED BREAD CRUMBS

Spring: time to enjoy asparagus in all possible ways! I adapted this recipe from Alexandra’s blog. She always has great recipes, both savory and sweet. I have made it exactly as published, but decided to modify it by briefly running the cut asparagus in the microwave. You can skip that and follow Alexandra’s take if you prefer.

CRISPY ASPARAGUS SALAD WITH TOASTED BREAD CRUMBS
(slightly modified from this post)

for the bread crumbs:
1 cup of bread crumbs, preferably from fresh bread
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt

for the salad:
1/2 cup walnuts, slightly toasted
1 lb. asparagus, tough bottoms trimmed
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
salt and black pepper to taste
zest from 1 lemon (I used Meyer lemon)
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil

Make the toasted crumbs: Heat the oil over medium heat. Add the crumbs and the salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crumbs are golden brown. Reserve. You will use 1/3 to 1/2 of the crumbs in the salad. It is easier to make a larger amount so it won’t burn easily. Save the rest to use over pasta or in other tasty concoctions.

Make the dressing by whisking the lemon juice and zest, oil, red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper. Reserve.

Prepare the asparagus: Using a sharp knife, slice the asparagus thinly on the bias. Place in a microwave safe dish in a single later, cover with a damp paper towel and microwave for 1 minute. Remove the paper towel and allow it to sit at room temperature.

Assemble the salad: combine the toasted walnuts, asparagus, toasted crumbs, Parmigiano cheese in a large bowl, drizzle the dressing all over, mix gently to combine. Shave more Parmigiano on top right before serving.

ENJOY!

to print the recipe, click here

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Comments: This is a wonderful mixture of tasty ingredients, I think the key is the toasted bread crumbs, quite unusual and perfect to add a little twist. Warming up the asparagus in the microwave killed the sharpness that it has when totally raw, and I think it made the dressing permeate better. But the salad is delicious with the raw asparagus also. Leftovers were great next day, I just removed from the fridge for 30 minutes before digging in.

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