I love a salad in the summer, especially with ingredients grown from my garden. For the past couple of weeks, we've been enjoying baby kale, arugula, and young dandelion greens, all great sources of calcium. This is the first year I had a strawberry crop, and they are delicious in salads, especially paired with beets. Fresh herbs add additional nutrients and lots of flavor to salads. I particularly like basil and lemon balm in this salad. Toasted pepitas add crunch and more flavor. Thinly sliced red onions or pickled onions (not pictured) would also be a nice addition.
Elevate Your Summer Salads with Homemade Dressings
Salads can be very healthy but not always. Store-bought salad dressings can be packed with saturated fats, high fructose corn syrup, and even preservatives. Making your own salad dressing is a simple way to maximize the health benefits of your salad.
Crafting Your Own Dressing Delights
By taking control of the ingredients, you can tailor the flavors to suit your palate. Experiment with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, including infused balsamic vinegars, citrus juices, herbs, and spices to concoct delicious dressings that enhance the freshness of your summer salads. In the pictured salad, I mixed plain yogurt with some raspberry balsamic vinegar and poppy seeds and made a poppy seed dressing that took less than a minute to make. The dressing was best when used within a day or two, but it's not a big deal since it's so easy to put together. I've also tossed this salad and many other salads with balsamic vinaigrette.
Balsamic vinaigrette
Ingredients
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
1 clove of garlic, minced (optional)
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar, dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until emulsified.
Adjust seasoning according to your preference. I don't always like garlic in my dressing or too much dijon so adjust amount to your liking.
Drizzle over your favorite salad and enjoy the burst of flavors!
Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle, One Salad at a Time
The benefits of home cooking extend beyond the sense of taste. It helps bring awareness. By being conscious of the ingredients we incorporate, we pave the way for a healthier and more vibrant life. Choose wisely, savor mindfully, and let your taste buds dance to the harmony of fresh, wholesome ingredients. Check out other salad recipes from Cooking at the Taylor Treehouse. #SummerSalads #HomemadeDressings #CookingAtHome
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