Fattoush

SALAD THE LAST!  We bring you the last installment of this year-long blog project, "52 Weeks of Mason Jar Salads."  For this final post, I decided to adapt the classic middle-eastern bread salad, adding less common ingredients (chickpeas, feta,) to make the salads more filling, but maintaining the flavors of the original - sumac, olive oil, fresh veggies, herbs, and greens.  Although many of these ingredients are well out of season for most of us in the northern hemisphere, a boost of fresh veggies is just what I need to follow rich holiday foods and too many cookies this time of year.

This blog series has been a great challenge for Rob and I - we've learned how to work well together, some new skills surrounding food styling and photography, how to eat more veggies on a daily basis, and how to think outside the box when we make a "salad."  We've found some new favorites, and hope you have, too!  Thank you for joining us for "52 Weeks of Mason Jar Salads!"

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 pita, split and roughly torn
• olive oil spray
• kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tsp ground sumac
• 2 tsp warm water
• 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp pomegranate molasses
• 1 clove garlic
• 2 tsp white wine vinegar
• 1/4 tsp dried mint
• 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups cooked chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry
• 4 oz feta, crumbled
• 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 2 English cucumbers, halved and sliced
• 4 green onions, green tops sliced on the bias
• 1/2 c loosely-packed Italian parsley leaves, roughly torn
• 1/2 c loosely-packed mint leaves, roughly torn
• 2-3 hearts romaine, shredded

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the pita chips: preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.  Scatter the pita pieces on a baking sheet, spray with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.  Bake the pita chips for 5-10 minutes, or until evenly dried and golden brown.  Cool.
2. Make the sumac vinaigrette: combine the sumac and warm water in a pint-sized mason jar or other tall container, and allow to soak for 15 minutes.  Add the lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, garlic, vinegar, mint, and olive oil to the jar; puree and emulsify the dressing using a handheld stick blender.  (Alternately, puree and emulsify the dressing in a standard blender or mini food processor.)
3. Pack the salads: divide the dressing evenly between each of 4 tall quart-sized containers.  Layer the chickpeas, feta, tomatoes, cucumber, green onions, parsley, mint, and romaine in the jars.  Divide the pita chips evenly among 4 snack-sized zip-top baggies, one for each salad.  Refrigerate until serving.
4. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with pita chips.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Substitute store-bought balsamic vinaigrette, canned chickpeas, and store-bought pita chips for the homemade dressing, home-cooked chickpeas, and homemade pita chips.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is vegetarian and nut-free as-is.  For a vegan salad, omit the feta and increase the amount of chickpeas to 4 cups, or use your favorite vegan feta.  For a gluten-free salad, substitute your favorite gluten-free bread or flatbread for the pita; you may need to adjust the baking time on your chips/croutons.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Sweet Potato Pomegranate Salad

After spending the last two days straight baking Christmas cookies, (I kid you not ... a dozen different varieties!!!) I feel like some nutrition is in order!  Sweet potatoes, pomegranates, kale, and pepitas are all loaded with nutrients, lightly dressed with some salty feta and a sweet-tart homemade pomegranate vinaigrette.  I hope you enjoy this welcome break from all of the rich foods of the holiday season as much as we have!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tbsp pomegranate juice
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 4 oz feta, crumbled
• 1 large or 2 small sweet potatoes, peeled, diced, and roasted
• 1 small pomegranate, seeded
• 1-2 bunches kale, stemmed and shredded
• 1/2 c pepitas

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the pomegranate dressing: combine the pomegranate juice, vinegar, honey, oil, and salt and pepper in a pint-sized mason jar or other tall container.  Puree and emulsify the dressing using a handheld stick blender.
2. Pack the salads: divide the dressing evenly between each of 4 tall quart-sized containers.  Layer the feta, sweet potato, pomegranate, and kale in the jars.  Divide the pepitas seeds evenly between 4 2-oz jars or snack-size zip-top bags for each salad.  Refrigerate until serving.
3. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with pepitas.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Use your favorite store-bought red wine vinaigrette in place of the homemade dressing.  Use 4-8 oz prewashed baby kale in place of the stemmed, shredded kale.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is vegetarian, nut- and gluten-free as-is.  For a vegan salad, use agave instead of honey in the dressing, and omit the feta or substitute with your favorite vegan feta.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Winter Salad with Lemon Yogurt Dressing

This is a beautiful salad - crisp, green, colorful, and sparkling-fresh.  During these dark days of December in the northern hemisphere, I tend towards mostly cooked foods - soups, breads, baked casseroles, grits, pastas, things covered in cheese - but I also welcome a burst of freshness every now and then!  I hope you enjoy this nutritious, gorgeous salad as much as we did!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 c plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic
• kosher salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 - 3 tbsp minced fresh parsley
• 2 c cooked chickpeas, drained and patted dry
• 12 pitted kalamata olives, halved
• 1 large carrot, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
• 1-2 fresh broccoli stalks, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 bunch radishes, halved and thinly sliced
• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
• 1 c julienned jicama
• 1 small avocado, pitted, peeled, and thinly sliced
• 2-3 hearts romaine, shredded
• 1/2 c roasted, salted sunflower seeds

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the lemon-yogurt dressing: combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic clove, and salt and pepper in a pint-sized mason jar or other tall container.  Puree and emulsify the dressing using a handheld stick blender. Stir in the parsley.
2. Pack the salads: divide the dressing evenly between each of 4 tall quart-sized containers.  Layer the chickpeas, olives, carrots, broccoli stalk, radishes, celery, jicama, romaine, and avocado in the jars.  Divide the sunflower seeds evenly between 4 2-oz jars or snack-size zip-top bags for each salad.  Refrigerate until serving.
3. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with sunflower seeds.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Use your favorite store-bought yogurt dressing in place of the homemade dressing.  

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is vegetarian, nut- and gluten-free as-is.  For a vegan salad, substitute your favorite plain non-dairy yogurt for the Greek yogurt in the dressing.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Chopped Winter Salad with Butternut Squash

We have a fairly large garden, and enjoyed a bountiful harvest last growing season.  This year, however, was less than stellar ... it seems like the only things that did well this year were greens and herbs!  (So.  Much.  Kale.  I think I'll plant fewer than 11 plants next year!). However, when we were anticipating the first freeze this fall, I was pleased to find quite a few butternut squash lurking around, that I had somehow overlooked earlier in the season.  Win!  Whether you grow your own or enjoy squash from the store, this unique and colorful salad will please squash lovers in a new and interesting way.  Enjoy!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 tbsp red wine vinegar
• kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 c cooked chickpeas, drained and patted dry
• 4 oz feta, crumbled
• 16 kalamata olives, halved
• 1/2 to 1 small butternut squash, peeled, cubed, roasted, and cooled
• 2 green apples, sliced thinly
• 1/4 c roughly chopped fresh dill
• 2 heads radicchio, shredded

DIRECTIONS:

1. Pack the salads: add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp vinegar to each of 4 tall quart-sized containers; season with salt and pepper.  Layer the chickpeas, feta, olives, roasted squash, apple, dill, and radicchio in the jars.  Refrigerate until serving.
2. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Use canned chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry for the home-cooked chickpeas.  Buy pre-chopped butternut squash for roasting instead of peeling and chopping a small squash.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is vegetarian, gluten- and nut-free as-is.  For a vegan salad, omit the feta and increase the chickpeas to 2 cups, or substitute your favorite vegan feta for the dairy feta.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Kale and Persimmon Salad

Persimmons will always make me think of my friend Courtney - she earned the nickname "Miss Persimmon" by the owners of one of the Minneapolis Asian grocery stores because once the fruits came in season, she would buy them by the case she loved them so much!  Courtney, you'll have to make a couple of adjustments to make this salad vegan, but it will showcase your favorite fruit no matter what.  Here's to Miss Persimmon, and this delicious salad!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 2/3 c apple cider vinegar, divided
• 1 1/2 tsp honey, divided
• 1 medium shallot, thinly sliced
• kosher salt
• 1 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/3 c extra-virgin olive oil
• freshly-ground black pepper
• 4-8 oz steak, grilled or broiled until medium-rare, cooled, and thinly sliced
• 4 oz bleu cheese, crumbled
• 2 persimmons, cored and cut into wedges
• 4-8 oz kale, stemmed and shredded
• 1/2 c pecans, toasted and roughly chopped

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the pickled shallots: combine 1/3 c apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp honey, shallot, and a pinch of kosher salt; toss well to combine.  Let sit for 10 minutes until shallots are pickled; drain and reserve shallot.
2. Make the honey-dijon vinaigrette: combine the remaining 1/3 c vinegar, 1 tsp honey, dijon, olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste in a pint-sized mason jar or other tall container.  Puree and emulsify the dressing using a handheld stick blender. 
3. Pack the salads: divide the vinaigrette evenly between each of 4 tall quart-sized containers.  Layer the pickled shallot, steak, bleu cheese, persimmon, and kale in the jars.  Divide the pecans evenly between 4 2-oz jars or snack-size zip-top bags for each salad.  Refrigerate until serving.
4. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with pecans.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Use your favorite store-bought vinaigrette and croutons in place of the homemade vinaigrette.  Use bagged baby kale in place of the shredded kale.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: For a vegetarian salad, omit the steak.  For a vegan salad, also substitute agave nectar for the honey in the dressing and your favorite non-dairy bleu cheese or feta crumbles for the dairy cheese.  For a nut-free salad, substitute sunflower seeds for the pecans.  This salad is gluten-free as-is.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Harvest Salad

I hope you all have enjoyed time to relax and feast with friends and family this week!  Last week's salad appears late, for two reasons: 1. I was busy cooking last week (we hosted 11 for Thanksgiving this year, and roasted our first turkey!) and 2. I thought you might like a salad recipe that could use up some leftover turkey.  This salad is a fresher, crisper, lighter take on traditional Thanksgiving fare - turkey, sweet potatoes, green beans, cranberries, brussels sprouts, pecans, and sage-seasoned croutons, drizzled with a bright champagne vinaigrette.  Happy belated Thanksgiving!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 c champagne vinegar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 c plus 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 4-6 oz baguette or other crusty bread, cubed
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
• 1 large garlic clove, pressed or grated
• 1/2 tsp dried rubbed sage
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme, crushed
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley, crushed
• 4-8 oz cooked turkey, diced or shredded
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled, cubed, roasted, and cooled
• 1 c green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces, steamed until crisp-tender, and cooled
• 1/2 c sweetened, dried cranberries
• 4-6 c shredded brussels sprouts
• 1/2 c pecans, toasted and roughly chopped

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the champagne vinaigrette: combine the garlic, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper, and 1/2 c oil in a pint-sized mason jar or other tall container.  Puree and emulsify the dressing using a handheld stick blender. 
2. Make the croutons: preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.  Toss the bread cubes with the remaining 2 tbsp oil, salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, sage, thyme, parsley, and garlic.  Bake the croutons for 10 - 15 minutes, or until evenly dried and golden brown.  Cool.
3. Pack the salads: add 2 tbsp dressing to each of 4 tall quart-sized containers; reserve the remaining dressing for another use.  Layer the turkey, roasted sweet potato, green beans, dried cranberries, and brussels sprouts in the jars.  Divide the pecans and croutons evenly between 4 snack-size zip-top bags for each salad.  Refrigerate until serving.
4. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with croutons and pecans.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Use your favorite store-bought champagne vinaigrette and croutons in place of the homemade dressing and homemade croutons.  Used frozen green beans, thawed and patted dry, in place of the steamed green beans.  Use pre-shredded, bagged brussels sprouts or baby kale in place of the freshly-shredded sprouts.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: For a vegetarian/vegan salad, substitute agave for the honey in the dressing, and your favorite mock turkey product for the cooked turkey.  For a nut-free salad, substitute pepitas for the pecans.  For a gluten-free salad, omit the croutons or substitute your favorite gluten-free bread for the baguette in the homemade croutons.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Roasted Vegetable & Goat Cheese Salad

T'is the season for roasted vegetables - any combination of veggies, tossed lightly with oil and roasted in a hot oven until tender and beginning to brown seems to make the perfect side dish to any supper this time of year, a delicious breakfast alongside a couple of fried eggs, or a satisfying salad topping!  The carrot, zucchini, and red onion called for in this recipe are really only suggestions - choose whatever veggies you like best!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into half-moons
• 1 medium-large zucchini, quartered
• 1 medium red onion, cut into
• 5 tbsp olive oil, divided
• kosher salt and freshly-ground pepper, to taste
• 1/4 c balsamic vinegar
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, grilled or broiled
• 2 heads butter lettuce, roughly torn into bite-sized pieces
• 4 oz goat cheese (individually-wrapped rounds work great!)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Roast the vegetables: toss the carrot, zucchini, and red onion with 1 tbsp olive oil; season with salt and pepper.  Roast veggies on a sheet pan at 450 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender and browned.  Cool.
2. Pack the salads: add 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp vinegar to each of 4 tall quart-sized containers; season with salt and pepper.  Layer the chicken, roasted vegetables, and butter lettuce in the jars.  Add 1 goat cheese round to each jar.  Refrigerate until serving.
3. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with goat cheese.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Use store-bought roasted vegetables from the deli counter instead of making homemade roasted vegetables.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is gluten- and nut-free as-is.  For a vegetarian salad, omit the chicken.    For a vegan salad, substitute 14 oz extra-firm tofu, seasoned and grilled or broiled, for the chicken and goat cheese.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Butter Lettuce Salad with Avocado and Hearts of Palm

I first had a version of this salad at a local restaurant with a few friends, and was reminded of how much I like hearts of palm.  They pair beautifully with avocado, and lend something altogether special to this week's salad - a couple of "decadent" ingredients all packed up and ready for healthy lunches!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 c freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 1/4 c olive oil
• 1 large avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced
• kosher salt and freshly-ground pepper, to taste
• 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 14 oz can hearts of palm, drained, patted dry, and sliced
• 2 heads butter lettuce, roughly torn
• 4-8 strips bacon, cooked, cooled, and crumbled
• 1/2 c walnuts, toasted and chopped 

DIRECTIONS:

1. Pack the salads: add 1 tbsp each lemon juice and olive oil to each of 4 tall quart-sized containers; season with salt and pepper.  Layer the avocado, onion, hearts of palm, and butter lettuce in the jars.  Divide the walnuts and bacon crumbles evenly between 4 2-oz jars or snack-size zip-top bags for each salad.  Refrigerate until serving.
2. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with walnuts and bacon.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Use bottled lemon juice instead of the freshly-squeezed juice.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is gluten-free as-is.  For a vegetarian/vegan salad, substitute tempeh bacon, your favorite prepared mock bacon product, or smoked almonds for the bacon.  For a nut-free salad, substitute sunflower seeds for the walnuts.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Spooky Salad

Happy Halloween!  For those that celebrate, I thought a "spooky salad" was in order this week - something cute and theme-y, but still nutritious.  Offset all of those treats with this salad - I promise it's not a trick!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 valencia orange, zested and juiced
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 4 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 1/2 tsp agave nectar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled, diced, and roasted until tender
• 1 orange bell pepper, sliced
• 1 small jicama, peeled and julienned
• 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced into half-moons
• 1/4 c black sesame seeds
• 1 large bunch lacinato/dinosaur kale, stemmed and shredded

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the sesame orange vinaigrette: combine the orange zest and juice, oils, mustard, agave, and salt in a pint-sized mason jar or other tall container.  Puree and emulsify the dressing using a handheld stick blender.  
2. Marinade the chicken: add 1/4 c of the dressing to a quart-sized ziplock bag; add the chicken thighs, seal, and toss the chicken to coat with the dressing.  Marinade for 20 minutes or more.  Grill, broil, or roast the chicken thighs.  Cool, then dice the chicken.
3. Pack the salads: divide the remaining dressing evenly among each of 4 tall quart-sized containers.  Layer the chicken, sweet potato, bell pepper, jicama, carrot, and kale in the jars.  Divide the sesame seeds evenly between 4 2-oz jars or snack-size zip-top bags for each salad.  Refrigerate until serving.
4. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with sesame seeds.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Use pre-washed, bagged baby kale in place of the stemmed, shredded kale.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is gluten- and nut-free as-is.  For a vegetarian/vegan salad, substitute 14 oz extra-firm tofu for the chicken thighs.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Collard Salad with Pomegranate and Pecans

Pomegranates!  I love including the beautiful, tart, crunchy seeds in all sorts of dishes - stirred into yogurt, folded into a fruit salad, and of course, sprinkled over a green salad.  This simple salad, intensely green with collards and parsley, will wake up your lunches this week (and keep you full well into the afternoon as well!). Enjoy.

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 c apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp dijon mustard
• 4 tsp honey
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
• 4 oz feta, crumbled
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 small pomegranate, seeds removed
• 1 large bunch collard greens, stemmed and thinly sliced
• 1/2 c pecans, toasted

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the parsley-dijon vinaigrette: combine the oil, vinegar, mustard, honey, salt, and pepper in a pint-sized mason jar.  Puree and emulsify the dressing using a handheld stick blender.  (Alternatively, puree and emulsify the dressing in a blender or mini food processor.)  Stir in the parsley.
2. Pack the salads: add 2 tbsp dressing to each of 4 tall quart-sized containers; reserve the remaining dressing for another use.  Layer the feta, red onion, pomegranate seeds, and collard greens in the jars.  Divide the pecans evenly among 4 2-oz jars or snack-sized zip-top baggies, one for each salad.  Refrigerate until serving.
3. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with pecans.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Substitute your favorite store-bought vinaigrette for the parsley-dijon vinaigrette.  Purchase fresh pomegranate seeds instead of seeding your own pomegranate.  Substitute pre-washed baby kale for the collard greens.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is vegetarian and gluten-free as-is.  For a vegan salad, substitute your favorite vegan feta for the dairy feta.  For a nut-free salad, substitute roasted sunflower seeds for the pecans. 

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Magic Kale Salad with Tempeh

MAGIC KALE SALAD.  We can thank Peas and Thank You for this amazing recipe - I don't know whether this salad make it into either of her books, but I've been guarding this recipe with my life for years.  I daresay everybody who tries magic kale salad loves it - it is truly a crowd-pleaser, has become one of my go-to potluck recipes, and has made it into the standing "Christmas Dinner" menu at our house.  With the addition of some grilled or broiled tempeh, it turns into a substantial, power-packed lunch!  I couldn't consider a salad series without including this one, and I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 lemons, juiced
• 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 4 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp agave nectar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 apples, diced
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 8 oz tempeh, grilled or broiled
• 2 bunches kale, stemmed and shredded
• 1/2 c roasted, shelled, salted pistachios

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the lemon sesame vinaigrette: combine the lemon juice, oils, mustard, agave, and salt in a pint-sized mason jar or other tall container.  Puree and emulsify the dressing using a handheld stick blender.  
2. Pack the salads: divide the dressing evenly among each of 4 tall quart-sized containers.  Layer the apple, carrot, tempeh, and kale in the jars.  Divide the pistachios evenly between 4 2-oz jars or snack-size zip-top bags for each salad.  Refrigerate until serving.
3. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with pistachios.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Use pre-washed bagged baby kale in place of the stemmed, shredded kale.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is vegan and gluten-free as-is.  For a nut-free salad, substitute salted, hulled sunflower seeds for the pistachios.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Pear, Walnut, and Bleu Cheese Salad

Pears are a fruit I definitely don't eat often enough.  It's so easy for me to get distracted by the wide variety of apples available this time of year, that I completely overlook pears!  My mistake - and definitely one to correct with this salad.  Pick up a couple of ripe, sweet pears and your favorite bleu cheese this week, and dig into this salad - it's a classic way to feature this oft-overlooked fruit!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 c champagne vinegar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 c extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 large, firm but ripe red or green pears, diced
• 4 oz bleu cheese, crumbled
• 4-8 oz mixed baby greens
• 1/2 c walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the champagne vinaigrette: combine the garlic, mustard, vinegar, lemon juice, honey, salt, pepper, and oil in a pint-sized mason jar or other tall container.  Puree and emulsify the dressing using a handheld stick blender.  
2. Pack the salads: add 2 tbsp dressing to each of 4 tall quart-sized containers; reserve the remaining dressing for another use.  Layer the pear, bleu cheese, and mixed greens in the jars.  Divide the walnuts evenly between 4 2-oz jars or snack-size zip-top bags for each salad.  Refrigerate until serving.
3. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with walnuts.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Use your favorite store-bought champagne vinaigrette in place of the homemade dressing.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is vegetarian and gluten-free as-is.  For a vegan salad, substitute agave for the honey in the dressing, and your favorite vegan bleu cheese or cultured tofu product for the dairy cheese.  For a nut-free salad, substitute sunflower seeds or pepitas for the walnuts.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Collard & Dried Tomato Salad with Roasted Chickpeas

Last summer, we had a bounty of tomatoes in our garden - a bounty so large, I was unable to keep up with eating, canning, and freezing them, and had to explore other preservation options.  Dried tomatoes to the rescue!  Tomatoes are surprisingly easy to dry in a very low oven, and will store, once dried, almost indefinitely in the freezer.  If you don't have your own stash of dried tomatoes, pick some up at the store this week to add rich flavor to this unique salad!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 28 oz can chickpeas, rinsed, drained, and patted dry
• 7 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
• kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 clove garlic
• zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes
• 4 tsp red wine vinegar
• 1/2 c dried tomatoes, sliced
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 c cilantro leaves
• 1 c mint leaves
• 1 large bunch collard greens, stemmed and thinly sliced
• 1/2 c pine nuts, toasted

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the roasted chickpeas: preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.  Toss the chickpeas with 1 tbsp oil, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.  Bake the chickpeas for about an hour, or until evenly dried, crispy, and golden brown.  Cool.
2. Make the lemon vinaigrette: combine the garlic, lemon juice and zest, chili flakes, red wine vinegar, remaining olive oil, and salt and pepper (to taste) in a pint-sized mason jar.  Puree and emulsify the dressing using a handheld stick blender.  (Alternatively, puree and emulsify the dressing in a blender or mini food processor.)
3. Pack the salads: divide the dressing evenly between each of 4 tall quart-sized containers.  Layer the dried tomato, green onions, cilantro, mint, and collard greens in the jars.  Divide the chickpeas and pine nuts evenly among 4 snack-sized zip-top baggies, one for each salad.  Refrigerate until serving.
4. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with chickpeas and pine nuts.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Substitute your favorite store-bought lemon vinaigrette for the homemade vinaigrette.  Substitute store-bought roasted chickpeas for the homemade roasted chickpeas.  Substitute pre-washed, bagged baby kale for the collard greens.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is vegan and gluten-free as-is.  For a nut-free salad, substitute roasted sunflower seeds for the pine nuts. 

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Beet & Goat Cheese Salad

(Sorry for the delay in last week's post - life got in the way!)

Beet and goat cheese salads tend to be a staple on many restaurant menus, and for good reason - the variety of both texture and flavor tends to be a crowd-pleaser, even among those who are a bit more reticent to consider beets.  I highly recommend looking for individually-wrapped 1-oz rounds of goat cheese for this salad - it makes packing these salads a breeze!  Enjoy!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 small clove garlic
• 1 small shallot
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 c extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/4 c flax oil (or more olive oil)
• 2-3 large beets, peeled, diced, and roasted until tender
• 4-8 oz mixed baby greens
• 4 1-oz, individually-wrapped rounds of goat cheese
• 1/2 c walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the balsamic vinaigrette: combine the mustard, garlic, shallot, sugar, salt, pepper, vinegars, and oils in a pint-sized mason jar or other tall container.  Puree and emulsify the dressing using a handheld stick blender.  
2. Pack the salads: add 2 tbsp balsamic vinaigrette to each of 4 tall quart-sized containers; reserve the remaining dressing for another use.  Layer in the beets, greens, and goat cheese rounds.  Divide the walnuts evenly among 4 snack-sized zip-top baggies or 2-oz jars, one for each salad.  Refrigerate until serving.
3. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with cheese and walnuts.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Substitute your favorite prepared balsamic vinaigrette for the homemade vinaigrette.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is vegetarian and gluten-free as-is.  For a vegan salad, substitute 1 can white beans, rinsed, drained, and patted dry for the goat cheese, or your favorite vegan goat cheese.  (I would recommend packing the beans, if using, following the dressing, instead of at the end as recommended for the goat cheese.). For a nut-free salad, substitute roasted, salted sunflower seeds for the walnuts.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

BLT Salad with Basil Mayo Dressing

We still have quite a few gorgeous heirloom tomatoes ripening in our garden this week, and I can't think of a better way to feature ripe, juicy, sweet, garden-fresh tomatoes than a BLT salad!  Although simple in its ingredients, this salad (with smoked almonds instead of the bacon for me) is one of my favorites, and received envious glances from both Rob's and my coworkers.  Maybe next time we'll make enough to share!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 4-6 oz baguette or other crusty bread, cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, divided
• 1 large garlic clove, pressed or grated
• 1/4 c mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp buttermilk
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 2 tbsp minced fresh basil
• 1/2 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 large heirloom tomatoes, roughly chopped
• 2-3 heads of romaine, shredded
• 8 thick-cut strips of bacon, cooked, cooled, and crumbled

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the croutons: preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.  Toss the bread cubes with the 2 tbsp oil, salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and garlic.  Bake the croutons for 10 - 15 minutes, or until evenly dried and golden brown.  Cool.
2. Make the basil mayo dressing: whisk together the mayo, yogurt, buttermilk, vinegar, 1/4 tsp pepper, and basil until well blended.
3. Pack the salads: divide the dressing evenly between each of 4 tall quart-sized containers.  Layer the red onion, tomato, and romaine in the jars.  Divide the bacon and croutons evenly among 4 snack-sized zip-top baggies, one for each salad.  Refrigerate until serving.
4. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with bacon and croutons.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Substitute precooked bacon for the cooked, crumbled bacon and store-bought croutons for the homemade croutons.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is nut-free as-is.  For a vegetarian salad, substitute smoked almonds, roughly chopped, for the bacon.  For a vegan salad, substitute your favorite vegan mayo and plain vegan yogurt for the mayo, yogurt, and buttermilk in the dressing.  For a gluten-free salad, omit the croutons or use your favorite gluten-free bread.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Chicken Gyro Salad

We can thank Smitten Kitchen for this beauty - crunchy romaine, fresh veggies, and flavorful chicken, all smothered in what is quite possibly the best tzatziki I've ever had.  (I make this tzatziki alllllll the time, as a general/all purpose veggie/cracker/bread/falafel/everything dip, as neither Rob nor I are huge hummus fans.)  Grab some garden-fresh, in-season cucumbers and tomatoes this week and whip up this fantastic salad!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 1 English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry in a dish towel
• zest and juice of one lemon, divided
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp minced fresh dill
• 5 cloves garlic, minced or grated on a microplane, divided
• 2 tsp kosher salt, divided
• 3/4 tsp black pepper, divided
• 3/4 tsp sweet paprika
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1/2 a medium red onion, sliced
• 2 large tomatoes, sliced or diced (or 2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved)
• 1 English cucumber, quartered and sliced
• 2-3 hearts of romaine, shredded
• 1 cup lightly-crushed pita chips

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the tzatziki: whisk together the yogurt, shredded cucumber, 2 tbsp lemon juice, vinegar, dill, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper until well blended.  Refrigerate.
2. Make the gyro-style chicken: combine the remaining lemon juice, all of the zest, remaining garlic, remaining salt, remaining pepper, paprikas, and oregano in a quart-sized zip-top baggie.  Add the chicken and seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible.  Through the bag, massage the seasonings into the chicken.  Allow to marinade for at least 20 minutes (the longer the better!)  Grill, broil, or roast the chicken.  Cool, and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. Pack the salads: add 1/4 c tzatziki to each of 4 tall quart-sized containers.  Reserve the remaining tzatziki for another use.  Layer the chicken, onion, tomato, sliced cucumber, and romaine in the jars.  Divide the pita chips evenly among 4 snack-sized zip-top baggies, one for each salad.  Refrigerate until serving.
4. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with pita chips.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Substitute store-bought tzatziki and rotisserie chicken for the homemade tzatziki and gyro-style chicken.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is nut-free as-is.  For a vegetarian salad, substitute seitan, lightly pan-fried and cooled, for the chicken.  For a vegan salad, also substitute your favorite plain vegan yogurt, drained in a cheesecloth-lined colander overnight, for the Greek yogurt.  For a gluten-free salad, omit the pita chips.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Grilled Vegetable and Barley Salad

Early September is an exciting, exhausting, time to have a garden - the tomatoes, peppers, summer squash, and eggplant are all going crazy, and it seems like you can't eat them fast enough! If you find yourself with a few spare zucchini, eggplant, and peppers this week, I highly recommend roughly chopping the lot up, tossing with olive oil, salt, and pepper, grilling up the lot, and making this salad! It's a hearty, nutritious way to use up some of that late-summer produce.  Enjoy!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 c pearl barley
• 1/4 c + 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/4 c freshly-squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 red chile, minced
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt (or more to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 medium eggplant, diced
• 2 small zucchini, halved and sliced into half-moons
• 2 medium red bell peppers, roughly chopped
• 4 oz feta, crumbled
• 4 green onions, sliced
• 1 c parsley leaves
• 1 c cilantro leaves
• 4-8 oz arugula
• 1/2 c shelled, roasted, salted pistachios

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the marinaded barley: bring a small saucepan of water to a boil.  Add the barley and simmer until tender, about 30 minutes.  Drain, and toss with the 1/4 c olive oil, lemon juice, cumin, coriander, garlic, chile, salt, and pepper.  Cool.
2. Make the grilled vegetables: toss the eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper with the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil; add salt and pepper to taste.  Grill or broil until the veggies are tender and lightly charred; cool.
3. Pack the salads: divide the barley evenly among 4 tall quart-sized containers.  Layer in the roasted veggies, feta, green onion, parsley, cilantro, and arugula.  Divide the pistachios evenly between 4 2-oz jars or snack-size zip-top bags, one for each salad.  Refrigerate until serving.
4. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.  Top with pistachios.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Use frozen, pre-cooked brown rice in place of the barley.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is vegetarian as-is.  For a vegan salad, substitute your favorite vegan feta for the dairy feta.  For a gluten-free salad, substitute cooked, cooled quinoa or brown rice for the barley.  For a nut-free salad, substitute toasted, salted sunflower seeds for the pistachios.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.

Greek Salad

I love Greek salad.  (I love Greek food, but that's a different post entirely!)  Spring, summer, fall, or winter, I never seem to tire of cucumbers, tomato, feta, and olives piled on a bed of romaine and drizzled with red wine vinegar and olive oil.  Add chickpeas, grilled chicken, red onion, artichokes, and pepperoncini, and you've got yourself one delicious lunch!

YIELD: 4 quart-sized salads

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups chickpeas, drained and patted dry
• 1/4 c red wine vinegar
• 1/4 c extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1 tsp Greek seasoning
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt (only if your seasoning doesn't contain salt)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 small red onion, diced
• 16 olives (pitted or whole, green, kalamata, whatever you love!)
• 8 pepperoncini
• 8 whole canned artichoke hearts, quartered
• 4 oz feta, crumbled
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, grilled or broiled and diced
• 2 c cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 large cucumber, halved and sliced
• 2-3 hearts of romaine, shredded

DIRECTIONS:

1. Make the marinaded chickpeas: combine the chickpeas, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Greek seasoning, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.  Allow the chickpeas to marinade for 20 minutes (or longer.) 
2. Pack the salads: divide the chickpeas evenly among 4 tall quart-sized containers.  Layer the red onion, olives, pepperoncini, artichokes, feta, chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and romaine in the jars. Refrigerate until serving.
3. Enjoy your salad: invert your salad onto a plate or into a bowl.

TIME-SAVING TIPS: Use 1 can chickpeas, drained, rinsed, and patted dry, for the home-cooked beans.

SPECIAL DIET SWAPS: This salad is gluten- and nut-free as-is.  For a vegetarian salad, omit the chicken.  For a vegan salad, also substitute your favorite vegan feta for the dairy feta, or double the quantity of marinaded chickpeas.

Food styling, photography, and infographics by Robert Campbell.