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The Rural Voice, 2000-06, Page 45i RURAL LIVING Versatile salads complement every meal Selected by Bonnie Gropp As days warm the refreshing and versatile flavour of salads become a welcome complement to every meal. CUCUMBER YOGURT SALAD 2 sliced cucumbers 1 tsp (5 mL) salt 1 cup (250 mL) yogurt 1 tbsp (15 mL) honey 2 green onions, chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped 3/4 cup (175 mL) loosely packed fresh mint leaves, chopped 2 tbsp (25 mL) chopped fresh parsley 1/8 tsp (.5 mL) white pepper Place cucumbers in colander. Sprinkle with salt, and leave cucumbers to drain for 1 hour. Pat dry. In large bowl, combine yogurt, honey, green onions, garlic, mint leaves, parsley and pepper. Add cucumbers; combine thoroughly. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving. CHICKEN SALAD WITH STRAWBERRY VINAIGRETTE Vinaigrette: 1 cup (250 mL) sliced strawberries 2 tbsp (25 mL) vegetable oil 2 tbsp (25 mL) red wine vinegar 1/4 tsp (1 mL) each salt and pepper In food processor or blender, process strawberries, oil, vinegar, salt and pepper until smooth. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate. Salad: 8 cups (2 L) torn lettuce 2 1/2 cups (625 mL) slivered cooked chicken 2 cups (500 mL) strawberries, halved 1 cup (250 mL) sliced cucumber Arrange lettuce on dinner plates. Top each with chicken, halved strawberries and cucumber. Drizzle with dressing. Serve immediately. SPINACH SALAD 1 pkg (10 oz) fresh spinach, washed, trimmed, chilled 6 slices bacon, fried crisp, drained, cooled Bite into a Potato and Cauliflower Salad that nips back! A zesty dressing of horseradish and blue cheese makes this salad a standout — and a perfect picnic partner for grilled pork chops and cold meats. Dressing: 1 cup (250 mL) table cream 3 tbsp (45 mL) vinegar 1 tsp (5 mL) finely chopped onion 1 tsp (5 mL) prepared mustard 1 tsp (5 mL) sugar 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt 1/4 tsp (1 mL) pepper Combine dressing ingredients, mixing well. Slice spinach into 1/4 inch (6 mm) strips. Toss with dressing. Serve topped with crumbled bacon. CRISP GREEN SALAD WITH CREAMY TARRAGON DRESSING 1/4 cup (50 mL) white vinegar 1/2 tsp (2 mL) dried tarragon leaves 1 clove garlic, slivered 1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard 1 tsp (5 mL) granulated sugar I/4 tsp (I mL) salt pinch pepper 1/2 cup (125 mL) vegetable oil 8 cups torn mixed salad greens (leaf, Boston or romaine lettuce) 1 bunch radishes, thinly sliced 1/3 cucumber, thinly sliced 2 ripe tomatoes, cut into wedges 4 green onions, sliced Pour vinegar into a 1 cup (250 mL) glass measure or small microwaveable bowl. Stir in tarragon and garlic slivers. Microwave, uncovered on High power for 30 to 40 seconds or until warm. Stir and let cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes. Discard garlic. In small bowl, whisk together mustard, sugar, salt and pepper. Whisk in tarragon vinegar. Slowly whisk in oil until creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings. In a large bowl, combine lettuces. Top with radishes, cucumber, tomato and green onion slices. Add just enough dressing to coat. Toss and serve immediately. Cover and refrigerate leftover dressing. POTATO AND CAULIFLOWER SALAD 1/3 cup (75 mL) vegetable oil 3 tbsp (45 mL) white wine vinegar 1 tbsp (15 mL) horseradish JUNE 2000 41