Festive Vegetable Salad Recipes

CONTEST-WINNING FESTIVE TOSSED SALAD

Steps:

• For dressing, place first five ingredients in a blender; cover and process until blended. While processing, gradually add oil in a steady stream. Add poppy seeds; pulse just until combined. , To serve, place remaining ingredients in a large bowl. Toss with dressing.

FESTIVE BROCCOLI-CAULIFLOWER SALAD

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. , In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, salad dressing, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and dill. Pour over salad; toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. , Just before serving, sprinkle with sunflower kernels.

WINTER VEGETABLE SALAD WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, AND BEETS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 F. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Trim ends of Brussels sprouts and remove yellow leaves. Slice all Brussels sprouts in half.
• In a medium bowl, combine halved Brussels sprouts, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt (to taste), and toss to combine.
• Place Brussels sprouts onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, cut side down, and roast in the oven at 375 F for about 20-25 minutes. During the last 5-10 minutes of roasting, turn them over for even browning, the cut sides should be nicely and partially charred but not blackened.
• Preheat oven to 375 F. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, combine cubed butternut squash (peeled and seeded), 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt, and toss to combine. Note: For more tips and details on how to peel, cut, and roast whole butternut squash, check out this article: How to Roast Butternut Squash.
• Spread butternut squash in a single layer on the baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning once half-way through baking until softened.
• Note: You can roast both Brussels sprouts and butternut squash on 2 separate baking sheets at the same time, on the same rack in the oven.
• Add 2 beets to a medium-size saucepan filled with water. Bring to boil. Boil the beets on medium heat, half-covered (allowing some heat to escape), for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Using a large spoon or a ladle, carefully remove beets from hot water. Let them cool. When completely cooled, peel the beets and then dice them into small cubes.
• Preheat the oven to 350 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread pecans in a single layer.
• Toast the pecans for about 5 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven at 350 F until they get darker in color.
• Note: Pecans burn really fast, so make sure to check the nuts after 5 minutes and frequently afterward.
• Combine 1 cup of balsamic vinegar + 1/4 cup of honey or brown sugar in a medium pan and cook it down, regularly stirring. The mixture should reduce by about half. Consistency should be thick enough to coat the back of the spoon but should not be overly thick.
• In a large bowl, toss together roasted Brussels sprouts, roasted butternut squash, diced cooked beets, toasted pecans, and dried cranberries.
• Drizzle with the balsamic glaze.

FESTIVE HOLIDAY VEGETABLE SALAD

Steps:

• Place beans and each veggie in separate sealable plastic bags.
• Mix olive oil and lemon juice in jar, with lid.
• Shake to mix.
• Add honey, salt, and pepper to jar, and shake to mix.
• Pour 2 tbs of salad dressing into each bag.
• Seal bags and place in fridge for 2-4 hours.
• On a large serving platter, line up separate individual veggie groups vertically, placing the feta cheese and beans separately, in the same vertical fashion, in the middle of the platter.
• Sprinkle parsley on all.
• The result will be a beautifully presented, colorful vegetable platter.