Hello? Summer calling…

 summer salad, corn, tomato couscous, basil lemon dressing
Hello Summer Salad

Israeli Couscous, Corn, Heirloom Tomato, Zucchini, Jalapeño
Chunky Lemon Basil Dressing, Chervil

I forget how much I like Israeli couscous. It’s airy, toasty, and kind of fun. Perfect for summer. This roasted pasta is shaped like little balls and popular with kids in Israel where it’s called ptitim, we know it here as Israeli couscous. It makes a pasta salad that’s light and not too pasta-y. Vegetables are the star, but the couscous makes it into a meal. A beautiful colorful healthy meal for a hot summer day…

Continue reading “Hello? Summer calling…”

What makes this the perfect garden party salad?

garden party shrimp salad, lemon basil shrimp salad
garden party shrimp salad

shrimp, navy bean, arugula, cucumber, olive, tomato, red onion
chunky lemon basil dressing

What makes this the perfect garden party salad? Breezy summery colors ~ pink, green, yellow, red. Contrasting textures from creamy beans to crunchy cucumber. It’s light enough to enjoy on a hot summer day, yet substantial enough to be a satisfying entrée. Ease of preparation, everything is made ahead and refrigerated in separate containers. The salad is composed just before serving ~ it’s casual and informal. The dressing is bright and pizazzy, whole lemon adds a bold note… As for the flavor, please be my guest and Taste With The Eyes!

Continue reading “What makes this the perfect garden party salad?”

WANTED: Tofu Salad à la Provençal

Tofu Salad à la Provençal

Tofu Salad à la Provençal
Heirloom Tomato, Tofu, Olive, Sweet Pepper, Scallion, Anchovy, Mitsuba
Garlicky Tamari Vinaigrette

WANTED:  Colorful summer salad recipes with flair! Drab dull ordinary salads need not apply. Does your salad have what it takes?  One that incorporates esoteric flavors and uses summer crops at their peak. Will it make us feel satisfied on the hottest dog days? We’re looking for salads that go well with cold-dry-pink-wine. Must be full-flavored, nothing wimpy! Willing to experiment. Unlimited opportunity. Apply soon, before summer passes us by.

Continue reading “WANTED: Tofu Salad à la Provençal”

Hey Dads! The Perfect Complement To Your Grilled Fish

grilled mahi mahi
Grilled Wild-Caught Mahi Mahi
Cannellini Bean, Meyer Lemon Confit, Kalamata Olive, Italian Parsley, Scallion Salad

Hello Dads. Hello Grilled Fish. We want our beautiful grilled fish to be the star at the table. No heavy sauces, no overpowering seasonings. Light, fresh, and fabulous. Here mahi mahi filets were brushed with olive oil and seasoned with salt and pepper, then grilled over medium high heat until just cooked all the way through.

They’re served over this bright fresh salad that takes only a couple minutes to prepare. The highlight is the Meyer lemon confit which adds a deep sweet-salty-lemony component. Whole Italian parsley leaves are vibrant and intense, great paired with the creamy cannellini beans, sliced green onion, and Kalamata olives.

And Dads, we know most of you love thick juicy steaks, but perhaps you’re planning to eat a bit lighter this summer? Well, this heart-healthy, very satisfying dish is for you. Happy Father’s Day.

Continue reading “Hey Dads! The Perfect Complement To Your Grilled Fish”

Butter Lettuce Salad, Smoked Salmon Rosettes

Butter Lettuce
Shell Pasta
Thin Asparagus and Petite Peas
Tarragon, Basil, Italian Parsley
Dijon Vinaigrette
Crumbled Feta
Smoked Salmon Rosettes

Cook frozen petite peas in boiling water with salt for about 3 minutes. Add thin asparagus spears and cook for one minute longer. Drain then shock in an ice bath.

Tarragon, Italian Parsley, and Basil
Jacques Pepin’s Vinaigrette in a Jar:
2 tsp chopped garlic
3 Tbs Dijon-style mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/4 c red or white wine vinegar
1 c extra virgin olive oil
I also add 2 tsp minced shallot.
Put all ingredients in a jar, screw on the lid, and shake very well.

Toss torn butter lettuce leaves with cooled cooked pasta shells, peas and asparagus, lots of chopped fresh herbs, and Dijon vinaigrette.

Serve with crumbled feta and smoked salmon rosettes made by slicing the smoked salmon into strips with one end thicker than the other. Roll the thick end towards the thin end to make a rosette.
Pretty. Summer. Salad.