Perfect Garden Salad Recipes

ALMOST-FAMOUS GARDEN SALAD

Steps:

• Combine all the dressing ingredients and 1 to 2 tablespoons water in a blender or food processor; puree until smooth.
• Place the salad blend in a large bowl and top with the remaining salad ingredients. Drizzle with the dressing.
• Photography by Kate Sears

PERFECT GARDEN SALAD

Steps:

• Tear lettuce into bite sized pieces and wash and dry thoroughly. Place in large salad bowl (wider than it is deep). Top with prepared vegetables.
• Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cheese. Go lightly until you learn how much is "to taste" for you.
• Pour oil over salad, then vinegar. It is important that the oil be first. Quantity requires a bit of practice - go light on the vinegar at first. You can add more if needed. Aim to coat the top layer of vegetables. Toss until well mixed. Taste - add vinegar or oil if needed, and toss again. Do not add dry ingredients (see below). Serve immediately.
• Note: Your first couple salads may not be perfect. If you find that you didn't add enough salt or pepper, let diners add more as served - you can't get it well dispersed if you add to the salad bowl after the oil and vinegar have been added If you find that you added too much vinegar, a little salt can counteract - again, add as served.

GARDEN SALAD (7 CLASSIC INGREDIENTS)

Steps:

• Gather all of your ingredients and wash them. Make sure your lettuce is either spun or pat dry with a towel.
• Peel your carrots and cut the ends and tips off and then slice them into circles about 1/8in thick.
• Cut the ends off from your celery and cut across making 1/4in slices.
• Peel your cucumber and cut off the ends, slice the cucumber into 1/4in slices and quarter them if you would like
• Cut your cherry tomatoes in half.
• Cut the onion in half and peel the paper skin off. Laying the onion on the flat cut side make thin slices.
• Toss everything into a bowl mixing everything together. Plate your salad and top with croutons and your favotite dressing. ENJOY!

GARDEN FRESH SALAD

Steps:

• Place the potatoes into a large pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, and cook until potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes. Add the green beans and wax beans during the last 2 minutes to blanch them. Drain, and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Cool before adding to the dressing.
• In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, mustard, celery, dill, salt, and pepper. Add the cooled potatoes and beans, and stir to coat. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

HEALTHY GARDEN SALAD

Steps:

• In a large serving bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, grapeseed oil, cilantro, lime juice, sugar, salt and garlic. Set aside.
• Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the soybeans and boil for 3 minutes. Add corn to the boiling water and continue cooking for 1 more minute. Drain very well, and pour into the bowl with the dressing. Gently mix in the cherry tomatoes, green onions and black beans. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to chill and blend the flavors.

QUICK GARDEN SALAD

Steps:

• Wash and dry the lettuce, leaves and herbs. Tear larger leaves into bite-sized pieces and tip everything into a large salad bowl.
• To make the dressing, put the garlic, onion, parsley and watercress or rocket into a mini chopper or food processor, and blitz until finely chopped. Add the vinegar, mustard and some seasoning, and blend briefly. Slowly add the oil and blitz until thickened. Drizzle over the salad just before eating and toss until the leaves are just coated. (You might not need all the dressing, but it will keep in the fridge for a couple of days.)