National Salad Month

While salads were initially a mixture of greens and chopped veggies, anything goes in modern salads. They can be a refreshing appetizer course, or have enough hearty ingredients to make a meal. Most cultures have unique salad recipes, served with a flavorful dressing with herbs and spices. The beauty of salads is that you can use any ingredient on hand to create a new dish. Here are some innovative salad recipes and dressings to try.

Berry Cheesy Salad

The briny taste of blue cheese classically pairs with sweet fruit and berries. This superb salad features a bed of salad greens, topped with blue cheese crumbles, fresh blackberries, crumbled bacon, and diced green onions. It adds a splash of color to your table, and a burst of savory/sweet flavor to your palette. It is even tempting to kids!

Honey-Balsamic Vinaigrette

Vinaigrettes can add both tart and earthy notes to your salad. You already have the simple ingredients in your pantry. It blends sweet honey, balsamic vinegar, fresh spices, and a bit of Dijon mustard. Mix it with olive oil, and try it over your favorite salad.

Crunchy Broccoli & Fruit Salad

Here is a delightful salad that would be superb for the holidays or any night of the week. Toss chopped broccoli florets with diced apples, shredded carrots, red onions, and dried cranberries. Up the crunch factor with chopped pecans. The creamy dressing is a mix of mayo, Greek yogurt, and tasty spices. Your family will love the fabulous flavors and textures!

Mediterranean-Style Dressing

Are you looking for a tasty dressing to serve with your new grain salad recipe? Try this vinaigrette that is infused with flavors of the Mediterranean. It starts with tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, and a dash of golden turmeric for flavor and color. Add a bit of cayenne pepper for a little kick. This dressing also makes a delicious dip.

Asparagus, Bacon, & Egg Salad

If you purchased some fresh spring asparagus from your local farmer’s market, consider turning some into a salad. Blanching the asparagus makes it tender-crisp, and retains the vibrant green color. Chop up some boiled eggs and crisp bacon, and you have a lovely spring salad that could be a side dish or a light lunch. Drizzle it with homemade honey-balsamic dressing.

Zesty Asian-Style Vinaigrette

The holy trinity of most Asian cuisines is ginger, garlic, and scallions. They are the building blocks for this sensational salad dressing. The honey and soy sauce give it an earthy sweetness, while the rice vinegar provides a satisfying tang. Instead of olive oil, this vinaigrette calls for both sesame and canola oil. Serve it with an Asian-style salad, or drizzle it over a fresh melon.

3-D Fruit Salad

Here is an exciting way to get your kids to eat more fruit. This whimsical fruit salad is a marriage of color, texture, and style—plus, it is shaped like the iconic square puzzle. Simply cut juicy watermelon, kiwis, and soft mozzarella into even-sized cubes. Layer them into a checkerboard pattern, and you have created a fun salad that complements a square meal!

Peach Dreams Vinaigrette

Just because a salad dressing has sweet fruity notes does not mean it is only for fruit salads. This lovely vinaigrette is infused with fresh peach jam and the tangy goodness of white balsamic vinegar. Pure vanilla extract tie the tart/sweet essences together with a simple canola oil base.

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