Guest Author - Amelia Johnson
Fruited Spring Salad
Ingredients
6 cups torn mixed salad greens
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 cup sliced green onion
1/2 cup chow mein noodles (canned)
1/4 cup slivered almond, toasted
1 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1/2 cup balsamic vinaigrette
1/4 cup orange juice
2 ounces semisoft goat cheese, crumbled (may substitute blue cheese)
Directions
-In large bowl combine greens, strawberries, onions, noodles, and almonds; set aside.
-Combine balsamic vinaigrette and orange juice.
-Mix well.
-Salt to taste.
-Toss dressing with greens.
-Top with orange sections and cheese.
-Serve immediately.
Spring Pepper Salad
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups red wine vinegar
1/4 cup golden balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup light olive oil
1 teaspoon dill weed
1 tablespoon sugar
1 garlic clove, minced
5-6 sprigs cilantro
2 medium cucumbers, unpeeled and sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 lb cherry tomatoes, halved or 4 medium tomatoes, sliced into wedges
1 small red onion, sliced into rings
1 medium red bell pepper or yellow bell pepper or green bell pepper (sliced into strips or chopped into bite size pieces)
Directions:
-Mix together red wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, sugar and dill weed.
-Add prepared fresh vegetables and cilantro, tossing to coat.
-Cover tightly and chill for at least 4 hours or over night, stirring occasionally.
Spring Greens Salad
Ingredients:
2 cups spinach or spring greens
1/2 cup mushroom, sliced
1/2 cup strawberry, sliced
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
Directions
-Divide the greens between two plates, add half of the mushrooms, strawberries, and sunflower seeds to each.
-Mix the honey, dijon mustard and rice wine vinegar together thoroughly.
-Pour dressing over greens just before serving.
Broccoli Grape Spring Salad
Ingredients:
12 slices bacon
2 heads fresh broccoli, florets only
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped green onion
1 cup green seedless grape
1 cup red seedless grapes
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup blanched slivered almond
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
1/4 cup sugar (I used Splenda with great results)
Directions:
-Cook bacon in skillet or microwave until crisp.
-Crumble and set aside.
-In a large salad bowl, toss together the bacon, broccoli, celery, green onions, green and red grapes, raisins and almonds.
-Whisk together the mayonnaise, vinegar and sugar.
-Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
-Refrigerate until ready to serve.
