[recipes]
Dishes with Garden Variety
Get creative with salad ingredients for fresh, delicious cuisine BY AMY HIGGINS || AHIGGINS@COLORADOCOUNTRYLIFE.ORG Keep it clean It’s important to thoroughly rinse and dry your fruits and vegetables, even if you plan to peel them. Bacteria from the produce’s skin can transfer to the inner surface once it is exposed from peeling.
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With the temperature climbing its way toward summer, fresh produce options are burgeoning. This month, head to your local market, pick a peck of mouthwatering provisions and toss a delicious salad for your family. It only takes a little extra effort to turn a bowl of lettuce into a full-flavored and filling meal that’s sure to satisfy. Try one of our suggestions:
Veggie Taco Salad 2 cups soy crumbles 3/4 cup salsa 5 cups shredded lettuce 1 cup corn kernels 1 cup black beans 1/4 cup sliced green onions 1/4 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese 2 tablespoons sliced ripe olives 2 tablespoons fat free sour cream
Spinach Salad With Fresh Grapes, Plums, Peaches and Kiwis
In large nonstick skillet coated with cooking spray, cook soy crumbles and salsa over medium heat about 5 minutes or until heated through, stirring frequently. In large bowl toss together lettuce, corn and black beans. Arrange on 4 serving plates. Top with crumbles mixture. Sprinkle with toppings.
4 cups washed baby spinach 2 plums, sliced 1 peach, sliced 1/2 cup red grapes 1/2 cup green grapes 2 kiwis, sliced 1/2 cup toasted almonds
Topping Options
Place spinach, sliced plums and sliced peach in a salad bowl and toss with kiwi vinaigrette (see recipe below). Garnish with additional fruit pieces and top with toasted almonds. Serves 6. The naked truth Don’t add dressing to your salad until you’re ready to serve. Adding dressing too early will make your greens flimsy and soggy. For more salad ideas: colorado countrylife.coop ColoradoCountryLife.coop 20 April 2013
Kiwi Vinaigrette 3 kiwis, peeled and chopped 1 tablespoon rice vinegar 3 tablespoons orange juice 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 2-3 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon agave or honey salt and black pepper to taste Place all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.