Indulge in a culinary adventure with our versatile salad, a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. This Dressed-Up Salad is more than just a side dish; it's a main attraction. With its vibrant mix of fresh greens, roasted vegetables, juicy fruits, and a secret dressing that elevates every bite, this salad is a feast for the eyes and a delight for the palate.
From the crisp crunch of romaine lettuce and the tender sweetness of roasted butternut squash to the juicy burst of blackberries and the tangy bite of goat cheese, each ingredient contributes its unique character to this culinary masterpiece. But the true magic lies in the secret dressing, a harmonious blend of zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and creamy avocado that ties all the flavors together.
This recipe is a culinary journey, a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. With variations including a vegan option and a gluten-free dressing, there's a perfect version for every palate. Join us on this delightful adventure and discover the Dressed-Up Salad, a dish that will redefine your salad experience.
GREEN SALAD WITH DRESSING
Steps:
- Whisk together juice, honey, vinegar, and garlic. Add oil in a slow stream, whisking until emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toss together mangoes, romaine, and cucumber with dressing, to taste.
" DRESSED UP" SALAD WITH SECRET DRESSING
I figured that if I had to forgo my jeans to get all dressed up for a dinner party I was giving, why should my salad get off easy? The result is beautiful to look at and impressed everyone, plus they raved about my decades-old "secret" dressing. Quantities of the vegetable toppings are based on using one large head of iceberg lettuce and standard sized bowl, but I've used iceberg and other salad greens in larger quantities by increasing amounts of vegetable toppings so top is not "half dressed"! (Quantities of fresh veggies for "rings" are fairly approximate because salad bowls vary in sizes, but rings should be uniformly shaped) DON'T BE AFRAID to try this -- it's not as complicated as it may seem! RE. SECRET DRESSING: The recipe makes a good amount, so can be enough for larger salads. It really is a closely-guarded recipe given me by my cousin, who was friends with a chef who swore her to secrecy. However, I think since my promise of secrecy was made over 30 years ago, the statute of limitations has run out! He worked at one of the first very exclusive $$ spa resorts in Southern California that still exists... the Golden Door. At that time it was the first dressing I had ever had with fresh ginger and I had to drive miles to an Asian market to find it and the rice vinegar... times have changed! Similar dressings now exist, so I'm sure the spa now has a totally different "secret" dressing!
Provided by Mareesme
Categories Salad Dressings
Time 1h35m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- SALAD.
- In salad bowl, tear lettuce and add green or red onion and seasonings (for some reason, it seems to work better with the onion mixed in with salad greens, not as one of the "rings"). Toss and smooth greens so top is uniformly level.
- FORMAL ATTIRE.
- Proceed to "dress up" the salad by making a 1" ring (1-1/2" for wider bowls) of grated carrot around edge of bowl thick enough to cover the greens.
- Then make rings inside this of corn, then green pepper, then beets or tomatoes then mushroom slices piled in the center circle. If using beets and tomatoes both, make it tomatoes then a ring of mushrooms then a mound of shredded beets in center.
- Make sure rings are thick enough to cover all the "naked" greens. You can use any vegetables of your choice to make the rings, such as radishes, olives or water chestnuts, but I prefer the varying colors and blend of flavors of the above.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to place it on buffet or dinner table.
- SECRET DRESSING.
- Make Secret Dressing by placing cut pieces of ginger root and vinegar in a blender and blend until smooth. Press through a mesh strainer over a bowl, squeezing out pulp to get more liquid into bowl. Pour liquid back into rinsed-out blender.
- Add honey, garlic and soy sauce. Blend well. Slowly add oil while blender is on low to mix.
- Pour into a jar with cover, shake and refrigerate. When ready to serve salad, shake jar and pour into a cruet for guests to pour their own.
- PRESENTATION.
- Put salad on buffet or dinner table and after everyone oohs and aahs, toss well and serve with secret dressing in a cruet for them to pour on desired amount.
'SECRET' SALAD DRESSING
My mom has made this dressing forever. It's been a family favorite right next to homemade ranch dressing.
Provided by ChefJoe
Categories Side Dish Sauces and Condiments Recipes Salad Dressing Recipes
Time 10m
Yield 16
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine the ketchup, vegetable oil, mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, onion, salt, and pepper in a blender; blend until smooth. Store in refrigerator.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 166.8 calories, Carbohydrate 5.4 g, Cholesterol 1.3 mg, Fat 16.5 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 0.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 248.5 mg, Sugar 5 g
Tips:
- Fresh and Colorful Vegetables: Use a variety of fresh, seasonal vegetables for a vibrant and flavorful salad. Choose vegetables with different colors, textures, and tastes to create a visually appealing and exciting salad.
- Homemade Dressing: The secret dressing in this recipe is made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. It's a combination of olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the proportions to suit your taste preferences.
- Balanced Flavors: Strive for a balance of flavors in your salad. The dressing should complement the vegetables without overpowering them. The sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the vinegar should work together to create a harmonious flavor profile.
- Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or basil can add a burst of flavor and aroma to your salad. Sprinkle them on top before serving for an extra layer of freshness and complexity.
- Garnish with Nuts and Seeds: To add a crunchy texture and a boost of healthy fats, sprinkle some nuts and seeds on top of your salad. Chopped walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, or pumpkin seeds are all great options.
Conclusion:
With its vibrant colors, diverse textures, and well-balanced flavors, this dressed-up salad with secret dressing is sure to impress your taste buds. The combination of fresh vegetables, homemade dressing, and crunchy toppings creates a delightful and satisfying meal that's perfect for lunch, dinner, or a side dish. Experiment with different vegetables and herbs to create your own unique salad variations, and enjoy the versatility and goodness of this delicious recipe.
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