Insalata Dellortolano Gardeners Salad Recipes

MIXED SALAD (INSALATA MISTA)

Steps:

• Blend the basil, vinegar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper in a blender. With the machine running, gradually blend in the oil.
• Place the arugula and radicchio in a wide shallow bowl. Using a vegetable peeler, shave the carrot over the salad. Shave the cucumber into a medium bowl. Pat the cucumber shavings with paper towels to absorb the excess moisture. Add the cucumbers to the salad.
• Do-Ahead Tip: The vinaigrette and salad can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover separately and refrigerate. Whisk the dressing to blend before using.
• Toss the salad with enough dressing to coat. Season the salad, to taste, with salt and pepper, and serve.

VIA CAROTA'S INSALATA VERDE

Steps:

• Wash the greens: Fill a sink or large basin with tepid water. Remove any wilted or damaged leaves from the butter lettuce, romaine and endive. Trim each head at the root to release whole leaves. Leave butter-lettuce leaves whole, but halve large leaves of romaine and endive on the bias, then drop into water. Trim and discard any roots and long stems off watercress, and drop remaining leaves and tender stems into water. Trim and discard dark green outer leaves and tops from frisée until only light green and white parts remain. Trim at the root to release leaves, and drop into water. Swirl greens in water, then drain. Wash twice more in cool, then cold, water, then transfer to a salad spinner to dry. Gently wrap in clean dish towels, and set aside.
• Place the shallot in a fine-mesh strainer, and quickly rinse with cold water. Allow to drain, then place in a medium bowl, and add vinegar and warm water. Allow to sit for 2 minutes, then whisk in oil, mustards, honey (if using), thyme, garlic and a large pinch of salt. Taste, and adjust salt and vinegar as needed.
• To serve, gently pile a generous handful of greens into a serving bowl, then sprinkle with salt, pepper and a generous drizzle of dressing. Continue with another handful of salad and more seasoning and dressing, repeating until you have a glorious, gravity-defying mound of salad. Top with a final drizzle of dressing, and serve immediately.
• Wrap remaining greens in an airtight container or plastic bag and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Cover and refrigerate remaining dressing for up to 3 days.

ITALIAN GIARDINIERA SALAD

Steps:

• Combine 3/4 cup drained giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), 4 ounces chopped fresh mozzarella, 4 cups Italian blend salad greens, 1/2 cup torn basil and 2 tablespoons chopped parsley in a large bowl. Whisk 1 tablespoon each white wine vinegar and jarred giardiniera brine, then slowly whisk in 3 tablespoons olive oil; drizzle over the salad and toss. Season with salt and pepper.

INSALATA DI RINFORZO

Steps:

• Pour enough water (about 2 cups) into a large wide pot to come 1-inch up the sides. Cover and bring the water to a boil over high heat. Add the whole head of cauliflower to the boiling water. Reduce the heat to medium. Cover and steam until a skewer inserts easily into the core of the cauliflower, about 8 minutes. Transfer the cauliflower to the center of a 16 to 20-inch-diameter platter. Set aside to cool completely.
• Arrange the giardiniera, corn, and roasted bell peppers in piles around the cauliflower. Sprinkle the onions and olives over the vegetables. Sprinkle the capers over.
• Whisk the oil, vinegar, and black pepper in a medium bowl to blend. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the vegetables, and serve. The salad can be prepared ahead. Cover the salad and refrigerate it overnight. Bring the salad to room temperature before serving.

TOMATO SALAD ( INSALATA POMODORO)

Steps:

• In a bowl put oil and seasonings.
• Add tomatoes, either sliced or in small chunks.
• Use salt and pepper to taste, and mix well.
• Let marinate at room temperature at least an hour, for a few hours in the refrigerator.
• Italian or French bread or crusty rolls are a must to accompany this salad.

SPAGHETTI WITH GARDEN VEGETABLES (SPAGHETTI DELL'ORTOLANO)

Steps:

• Stir together the oil, carrots, onion, celery, and garlic in a large saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat 2 minutes. Add 1/2 cup basil, the red pepper flakes, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover. Cook, stirring often, until vegetables are caramelized, about 15 minutes.
• Add wine to saucepan. Raise heat to medium. Cook until wine has almost completely reduced, about 5 minutes. Add yellow squash, zucchini, and eggplants. Cook 5 minutes. Add tomatoes. Cover. Cook until vegetables are tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Add marjoram and 1/2 teaspoon salt; season with pepper.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt. Add pasta; cook until al dente. Drain. Transfer to a large bowl. Add vegetable mixture and remaining 1/2 cup basil to the pasta. Toss to combine. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

INSALATA DELL'ORTOLANO ( GARDENER'S SALAD )

Steps:

• Chop salad and dice all ingredients (except for raspberries and blueberries).
• In a separate bowl whisk together dressing ingredients; toss everything together.
• Add salt and pepper.