A couple weeks ago I shared photos of my apple tree all dripping with big fat apples and as usual a couple of you did comment “Isn’t it very early for apple season?” The answer is yes! These are summer apples – at least that’s what I call them because for over a decade now this little tree has been fruiting in summertime in July/August. The apples are called Anna apples and according to Wikipedia they are early fruiting variety that do well in warmer climates. Continue reading Summer Apple Salad
Category Archives: Salads
Balsamic Vinaigrette
I love balsamic vinegar! I love the fruity, sweet and syrupy flavor with a tangy edge. Balsamic vinegar perks up any salad and gives it that restaurant quality pizzaz. Well aged balsamic vinegar is thick, fruity and sweet that in Italy balsamic vinegar drizzled over vanilla ice cream is an extremely popular after dinner dessert. I tell you folks, if you can find a good balsamic vinegar at your local specialty shops it’s worth the indulgence. The fruity flavor that comes through in these artisanal small batch vinegars is unparalleled and elevates even simple greens salad into something gourmet. Continue reading Balsamic Vinaigrette
Kale Apple Avocado Salad
This has to be the easiest salad to make! Just toss kale, apple and avocado together with lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. That’s it! The apples release their sweetness when tossed with lemon juice making the salad taste like it was made with a honey dressing, while the avocado gives a nice creamy texture. Hard to believe that something so simple could taste so good, but it does! Continue reading Kale Apple Avocado Salad
Nasi Ulam. Malaysian Herb Scented Rice Salad
Nasi Ulam is a type of Malaysian rice salad made with a variety of fresh herbs and an Asian dimension that comes from toasted coconut and coconut oil. It’s fresh tasting, filling, and easy to make. An added allure is a lovely basket of fresh picked herbs. Perfect to make ahead and take to a party or for a barbecue in the garden, give this beautiful summer herb-inspired rice salad a try! Continue reading Nasi Ulam. Malaysian Herb Scented Rice Salad
Mango Salad with Cilantro and Red Onions
Do you sometimes cut a mango that wasn’t as ripe or sweet as you wanted? Turn that mango into a savory salad that is beautiful to look at and delicious. This basic recipe is quick and easy to make with simple ingredients. Add lettuce, spinach, or arugula and you can turn it into a leafy green salad with the added pizzaz of lush mangoes. Continue reading Mango Salad with Cilantro and Red Onions
Broccoli Zucchini Salad with Asafetida Cumin Vinaigrette
I had just learnt how to make this delicious Indianized vinaigrette from my friend Padmini and I couldn’t wait to try it out on a salad of my own. When I first tried this rather eclectic salad dressing made with asafetida and cumin, Padmini had tossed it in a golden beet salad for a picnic we had gone on with friends. Continue reading Broccoli Zucchini Salad with Asafetida Cumin Vinaigrette
Cantaloupe and Sugar Snap Peas Salad with Feta and Pistachios
This is a sweet refreshing salad with the cheesy tang of fresh feta and a mustardy vinaigrette. Cantaloupe adds not only a fruity flavor in this salad but also gives the salad some heft. Then add in thinly sliced sugar snap peas, thinly sliced onions and cucumber and this becomes a delicious salad that is sweet, fruity, crunchy and tangy. Served with some crusty bread and a chilled glass of anything drink, this makes for a wonderful light Sunday salad dinner on any hot sweltering summer evening. Continue reading Cantaloupe and Sugar Snap Peas Salad with Feta and Pistachios
Shaved Fennel and Orange Salad
Fennel, juicy oranges, dried cranberries and capers all tossed in a leafy green salad with an orange vinaigrette makes this a wonderful sweet and tangy refreshing salad. Fresh oranges add a burst of citrus flavor while the fennel gives the salad a crunchy anise-like flavor. Add sweet dried cranberries, briny capers and a few nuts and this salad takes care of all flavors and textures – crunchy, soft, sweet, sour = delicious 😋. Continue reading Shaved Fennel and Orange Salad
Asafetida Cumin Vinaigrette
You’ve heard me mention asafetida many times as I have used it in plenty of my Indian recipes, but this is the first time I am sharing a recipe with asafetida in salad vinaigrette, and it tastes awesome! I love asafetida, I grew up with this spice in our South Indian cooking, and I love how it brings back warm memories of Mom’s cooking every time I get a whiff of asafetida. In a salad dressing this rather eclectic spice really adds an unexpected fragrance punch that I love. Continue reading Asafetida Cumin Vinaigrette
Golden Beet Salad with Asafetida Cumin Vinaigrette
Golden beets, edamame, baby spinach, peppers and onions all tossed in cumin and asafetida vinaigrette make this salad totally unique and delicious that is a feast for the eyes and the taste buds. My friend Padmini brought this delicious golden beet salad with Indian vinaigrette for a picnic that we want on at Clos Les Chance Winery in Morgan Hill recently that was outstanding! Continue reading Golden Beet Salad with Asafetida Cumin Vinaigrette
