Sunday, June 28, 2009

Two Favorite Summer Salads

As summer starts to heat up and vegetable gardens are in full bloom, it's time to break out those salad recipes. I am thrilled that Danica is allowing me to share two of my favorite summer salads here with you.

Tomato, Avocado, Goat Cheese Salad

The star of this salad is the heirloom tomato. Accompanied by avocado, goat cheese and a light dressing, the result is a refreshing, light summer salad.


tag-salad

in the salad:
butter lettuce
heirloom tomatoes
avocado
goat cheese

balsamic dressing:
1/2 cup olive oil
3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 Tbsp. soy sauce (I use Bragg's)
1 Tbsp. nutritional yeast (optional)
1 spoonful of yellow mustard
The dressing recipe makes a lot; you can store the extra dressing in the fridge. The olive oil will congeal, but it will soften when you let the container *sit* in some warm water.

Dried Fig & Goat Cheese Salad with Raspberry Balsamic Dressing

I *borrowed* this salad combination from one of my favorite local restaurants. When the restaurant closed its doors for the last time a couple of years ago, I was forced to make the salad for myself. I think I like my version better...


fig-salad

In the salad:
butter lettuce
dried figs (even if you don't like figs, you'll probably like them in this salad)
goat cheese
caramelized almonds (directions follow)
drizzled with Consorzio Raspberry & Balsamic fat-free Dressing

caramelized almonds:
1.
Coat (about 20) almonds with slightly-beaten egg whites.
2. Lay flat on a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Sprinkle with a pinch of sugar and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
4. Roast in the oven at 450' for 7 - 10 minutes. Watch them so they don't burn.

I'm always on the look out for yummy vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian recipes. If you have one to share with me, please visit me at Graceful Creative and tell me about your favorite recipe.

11 comments:

  1. mm the tomato avocado salad sounds delicious :D

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  2. Two great salads for the summer! I love the sounds of the balsamic dressing!

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  3. i love going to parties where all there is is just a big collection of salads! these recipes look great :)

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  4. Yummmmmmm! Those look great! I'm always looking for new, summer salads.

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  5. Yum both of those salads look great! But I especially want to try the 2nd one :) I love that Consorzio salad dressing! Funny you mention it because I talked about it in my most recent blog. I made a delish salad w/ their mango dressing, fruit, and walnuts.

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  6. Figs and caramelized almonds sound like a great combination!

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  7. Ooh, these look great! I'm still on a goat cheese kick. I just had to add one to my meal plan this week.

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  8. Hi! Found you via Amy @ FeasiblyFitMom. The tomato, avocado, goat cheese salad sounds delish! Thanks for sharing!

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  9. Yum! I love the tomato, avacado goat cheese Salad. I work with Chavrie goat cheese and this would go lovely with our mild flavor with a zangy twist! Thanks!

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  10. Kirwin ~ thanks for the fantastic recipes - they look and sound amazing!

    Peanut ~ Tomato and Avocado should be in every salad - YUM!

    K ~ I agree - I think balsamic makes everything sound fantastic.

    Bobbi - These would be fantastic with your pizza too!

    Katherine ~ Kirwin totally does - her recipes are always creative, easy and tasty!

    Janetha ~ so true - salad parties are the best. I think I'd have to make both of these though because I couldn't pick just one.

    Marci ~ these salads could definitely go on your summer salad rotation.

    Jess ~ I agree - the Consorzio dressings rock - I need to get over to your blog to check out your recipe - sounds delish!

    Broccoli ~ I agree - I LOVE salads with crunch and chew and sweet treats!

    Amy ~ Ohhh - I can't wait to hear what you think- do tell which you try and all :)

    Jenna ~ Awww - thanks for stopping by after visiting Amy's.

    Corinne ~ Wow, you are lucky to work with cheese! I will definitley have to check out your site for some ideas! YUM!

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