Peach Balsamic Vanilla Vinaigrette

Salad is my favorite food, I think.  I eat salad almost every single day.  I even wrote a salad guide on Make and Takes a few years ago.  I like to think I’m somewhat of an expert, you see. Salads are one of the best ways to fit in all your leafy greens, and as I quickly learned when I overcame my salad-phobia, a very delicious way.  I tend to like sweet salads with a […]

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Wilted Arugula Salad

Can we just talk about how much I love arugula?  SO much. Can we also talk about how excited I was to get a bag of arugula with my CSA share last week? Even more. Happy, happy, happy. For once I decided to forgo the sun-dried tomatoes and white beans I usually eat with arugula.  Instead I wanted a warm salad–something with lentils and a balsamic vinaigrette. We haven’t tried a warm lentil salad at […]

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Have You Tried: Arugula

I really love arugula, so when my CSA share came with a bag of two different kinds, I was ecstatic.  I planted some in my garden, but it’s still very tiny.  I’ve been craving arugula all winter long. If you haven’t tried arugula, you’re in for a treat.  It’s incredibly flavorful–kind of peppery, but distinct.  It’s definitely assertive without being overpowering.   Arugula goes exceptionally well with beans (especially white beans), certain fruits (pears, peaches, […]

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Orange Miso Vinaigrette

One ingredient that I see over and over again in my vegan cookbooks is miso.  As a kid I hated miso with a passion.  Could not stand it.  We had a Japanese girl living with us for a year and she would often make miso broth.  I tried it several times, but never could enjoy it.  Now I’m a grown-up and I love miso.  It just took about 15 years was all. :) I recently […]

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Strawberry-Pear Salad with Creamy Mustard and Fennel Pollen Dressing

I’m ready for Spring.  Anyone with me? The past week has been a foggy blur of fevers and coughing so hard I wet my pants too many times to count.  It snowed and was downright dreary.  I spent the days trying to sneak a nap in where I could.  Then my husband picked up some knock-off Nyquil for me.  I’ve been telling everyone who will listen–BEST SLEEP IN YEARS. Our desktop computer literally blew up […]

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Watercress Citrus Salad with Olive-Caper Vinaigrette

I don’t know what to write about this salad other than it’s probably the prettiest salad I’ve ever made, and definitely one of the tastiest. I get these cravings for something light and summery.  The stews and soups are nourishing, but can be heavy. With all of the citrus I’ve been stocking up on, I can’t resist eating some with every meal. Watercress has such a peppery bite to it.  It goes so well with […]

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White Bean, Goat Cheese, and Sun-Dried Tomato Salad

I allow myself a few cheats when it comes to the new eating regimen.  Goat cheese is one thing that I can’t live without.  That’s why I will never be a true vegan.  (I also still use the tiny sample tubes of Lansinoh I snagged from the hospital when I gave birth.  It makes my lips so soft and supple–not what you were thinking, right?) I could not care less about giving up cow milk, […]

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A.B.C. Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Around some circles, I have the reputation for throwing together a tasty salad.  Oh, yes.  I do make good salad.  I even wrote a post about it awhile back. Listen, if you are trying to switch to a healthier diet replete with veggies and fruit, salad is an easy way to do it.  You don’t even need bacon, cheese or heavy dressings for salad to be delicious.  There is more to life than Ranch dressing. […]

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From My Archives: Waldorf-Like Salad on Mixed Greens

Update: I realized the mayo statement below seems to have nothing to do with the recipe and post! Usually Waldorf Salad is made with mayo. I prefer it made with sour cream and a little lemon juice. _______________________________________________ I don’t love mayo. Sorry, I just don’t. (Unless it’s homemade….) When I was doing Weight Watchers a few summers ago (and will be again soon if this baby ever comes!), I came up with this recipe. […]

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Mixed Greens Salad with Poppyseed Dressing

Mixed Greens Salad with Poppyseed Dressing Serves 4 Ingredients: For salad: 1 bag mesclun greens (can use spinach instead) 1-2 tart apples, thinly sliced 1/2 cup (or a little more) dried cherries 1/2 cup chopped candied pecans 1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola 1/4 lb. cooked bacon, crumbled For Poppyseed Dressing: 4 Tbsp. sour cream 4 Tbsp. mayonnaise 1-2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar 1 Tbsp. honey (more or less depending on desired sweetness) 1/2 tsp. (or a […]

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