Simple Salad Dressings

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Spring, to me means greens.  Lots of greens.  This time of year I really can't get enough of them.  I love how many different kinds of greens we grow and how different each leaf can taste...spicy, buttery, crunchy, sweet, soft, & the list goes on.  

Simple Vinaigrette:

  • 2 T. mustard, preferably dijon 
  • 2 T. apple cider or red wine vinegar
  • 3 T. olive oil
  • 1 T. lemon juice
  • pinch of salt & pepper

Whisk together or combine in a Ball jar and shake well.

Asian Peanut Dressing:

  • 3 T.  peanut butter
  • 3/4 cup of olive oil
  • 1/4-1/2 cup honey or cane sugar
  • 1/4 cup rice vinegar
  • 2 T. soy sauce

If using honey, it can be helpful to heat it up.  You can do this by putting it in a glass jar in a pot on the stove.   I put the stove burner on med-low and let the water warm up slowly with the honey.  This just makes the honey more liquified so it combines easier with the other ingredients.  You can test if the honey is ready but pulling it out of the pot and giving it a gentle shake in the jar.  Once it's free flowing, whisk it together with the rest of the ingredients.  

Balsamic Dressing:

We often times just sprinkle Balsamic vinegar on our salads.  It's quick and tasty, a good combination for a lunchtime salad or after a long day in field.

Radish Cous Cous (or Quinoa)

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Sometimes is hard to figure out how to eat a radish other than on a salad.  For a little something different, give this one a try.  Found originally from Food52.

  • 1 c. cous cous (or quinoa)
  • 1 ripe avocado (optional)
  • 1/2 a lemon, juiced
  • 5 T. olive oil
  • 1 bunch radishes, or less if you prefer
  • 3 scallions
  • 2 handfuls of salad mix or arugula (would be delicious with thinly cut kale too!)
  • dash of hot pepper (optional)
  • salt & pepper, to taste

Cook cous cous or quinoa as directed.  Let cool before combining with the remainder of the ingredients.

Next, make the dressing.  Smash the avocado in a bowl.  Add in lemon juice, a dash of hot pepper, salt, & pepper and mix.  Add in the oil and stir.  Throw in more salt and pepper if needed.

Cut radishes in slices or chunks, whichever you prefer.  Slice up the scallions, being sure to use both the white and green portions.

Combine cous cous (or quinoa), radishes, and salad greens.  Then, throw in the dressing and mix evenly.  Enjoy!