Campfire Salad Recipes

ANTIPASTI SALAD WITH CAMPFIRE DRESSING

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the hot coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only to medium-high heat.
• Using a fork or paring knife, prick the onion all over to allow the smoke to penetrate. Place the onion directly onto the coals and cook until charred and softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from the coals and when it is cool enough to handle, peel and finely chop.
• Add the onions, garlic, oregano, olive oil and red wine vinegar to a glass jar with a lid. Season with salt and pepper, then shake vigorously and set aside.
• Add the lettuce, chickpeas, salami, provolone, tomatoes and pepperoncinis to a large bowl. Dress with some of the smoky red wine-oregano vinaigrette and toss to coat. Add the Parmesan all over the top and serve with freshly cracked black pepper.

GRILLED WATERMELON AND TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Make the honey-lime vinaigrette: Add the garlic and shallot to a food processor and pulse until minced. Turn off the motor and add the oil, honey, lime zest and lime juice. Process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Make the salad: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pecans and brown sugar and cook, stirring to coat, until the sugar begins to caramelize, about 3 minutes. Spread the pecans onto the prepared baking sheet and let cool completely, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, trim the ends from the watermelon. Stand the watermelon on a cutting board, flat-side down, and cut into quarters. Set aside 2 quarters for another use. Cut the remaining 2 quarters crosswise into 1-inch-thick slices. Brush 2 tablespoons of the vinaigrette onto the slices.
• Preheat a grill to medium-high heat or place a grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Grill the watermelon slices, in batches, in a single layer until warmed through and grill marks appear, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove the watermelon from the grill and let cool, about 15 minutes. Cut into bite-size cubes.
• Arrange the arugula, grilled watermelon, tomatoes, feta cheese, pecans and red onion on a platter or in a salad bowl. Drizzle the remaining vinaigrette over the top and toss just before serving.

CAMPFIRE SALAD

Steps:

• To prepare the oregano vinaigrette: In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the vinegar, sugar, and oregano; season with salt and pepper. Slowly add oil, whisking constantly to emulsify. Set aside.
• To prepare the salad: To blanch the asparagus, bring a large pot of water to a boil, then drop the asparagus spears in for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on their size. Remove from the water and "shock" them briefly in a bath of ice water to stop the cooking and preserve the green color. Drain thoroughly. Repeat the same process with blanching the green beans, cooing a little longer, about 5 to 7 minutes.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the carrots, black beans, and green beans. Toss together until well mixed. Drizzle with half the Oregano Vinaigrette and mix thoroughly.
• Place a small pile of salad mix in the center of 6 small plates. Build a campfire stack by arranging 4 or 5 asparagus spears leaning against each other over the salad. Drizzle a little vinaigrette on each stack and serve.
• If taking to a picnic, keep salad mix and vinaigrette separate until ready to serve, then mix and plate.

CAMPFIRE TACO SALAD

Steps:

• Cut tops off each bag of chips; set aside.
• Heat chili in saucepan until completely heated through, stirring occasionally. (or heat in microwave).
• Spoon about 2 tablespoons chili into each bag of chips.
• Top with cheese, sour cream, salsa and lettuce.

CAMPFIRE TACO SALAD

Steps:

• Cut the top off each bag of chips; set aside. Place chili in a saucepan; cook on a grill over medium heat for 10 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of chili into each bag of chips. Top with cheese, sour cream, salsa and lettuce.