Saturday, May 31, 2014

AWWWWW Summer Salads really hit the spot!


We don't buy bottled dressing around here as you can see from the list below.   I cannot stress how much better dressings made fresh taste. Any one of these dressings is great with this combination of flavors. 

6 cups torn romaine lettuce
2 vine ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 bunch green onions, sliced thin (I like the larger Mexican ones)
1 chicken breast per person, grilled, & sliced
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup grapes, quartered
salt & pepper to taste
bacon crumbles
1 recipe of one of the following dressings: 
    FARMHOUSE BUTTERMILK DRESSING 
    1 cup Buttermilk
    1 cup mayonnaise
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 teaspoon white pepper
    1 teaspoon parsley flakes
    1 teaspoon dried oregano
    1 teaspoon garlic powder
    1 teaspoon dried tarragon
    1 teaspoon dried basil
    1 tablespoon lemon juice
    1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

    • Blend together in mini food processor or whisk vigorously. Chill overnight before serving.
    Home made "BLEU" CHEESE DRESSING
    • 1/2 cup sour cream
    • 1/2 cup large curd cottage cheese
    • 1 cup mayonnaise
    • 4 ounces bleu cheese crumbles (sometimes I use Gorgonzola for a bit of change or when I accidentally pick up the wrong container at the grocery store and we like it just as well)
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
    • I put it all in my food processor and pulse until it's well mixed. Chill for 24-48 hours before serving.
    I put it all in my food processor and pulse until it's well mixed. Chill for 24-48 hours before serving.

    SWEET SESAME DRESSING
    1/3 cup sugar
    3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
    3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
    3 tablespoons peanut oil
    1/2 teaspoon sea salt

    • Whisk vinegars, sugar and salt together.
    • Heat over a medium heat until sugar is completely dissolved.
    • Whisk in oil until well blended.
    • Cool and pour over salad.
    SWEET & SOUR CUCUMBER DRESSING 
    1 cup dairy sour cream
    2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
    Juice of 1 lemon
    1 tablespoon granulated sugar
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    1 small bunch green onions, minced
    1/2 cup small peeled and diced cucumber
    • Whisk sour cream until smooth.
    • Add lemon juice, salt and vinegar and blend well.
    • Add cucumbers and onions.
    • Cover to chill and blend flavors.
    • Serve over tomato and lettuce salads, sliced chicken or chilled salmon.
    • Makes 1 1/2 cups give or take.
    CHAMPAGNE DRESSING
    1/3 cup peanut oil
    3 tablespoons champagne vinegar
    Juice of 1 lemon
    3 tablespoons sugar
    salt & pepper to taste

    • Whisk together peanut oil, champagne vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, salt & pepper. Chill for several hours.
    • Enjoy!
     CELERY SEED DRESSING
    1 teaspoon salt
    1 teaspoon mustard
    1 teaspoon paprika
    1 teaspoon celery seed
    1/2 teaspoon white pepper
    1/3 cup sugar
    4 tablespoon lemon juice
    1 tablespoon white vinegar
    1 cup salad oil
    • Blend together in small food processor for 3 minutes. 
    • Chill. 
    •  This is a thick dressing so shake vigorously before serving. I spooned a small portion into a bowl and microwaved it for a few seconds and served it warm. It thins out dramatically when warmed. It was yummy! 
    • Keep bottled in refrigerator

    1000 ISLAND DRESSING (MY FAVORITE)
    1/2 cup mayonnaise
    2 tablespoons ketchup
    1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
    2 teaspoons sugar
    3 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
    1 heaping tablespoon minced red onion
    1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
    salt and pepper

    • In a mini blender blend all ingredients to desired consistency.
    WARM BACON DRESSING
    1 egg
    1/3 cup white vinegar
    1/2 cup sugar
    1/3 cup flour
    2 cups water
    1/2 pound bacon
    salt and pepper to taste

    • Cook bacon until crisp. Leave drippings in pan and allow to cool.
    • Drain on paper towels and crumble when cool.  Set aside.
    • In a medium bowl lightly beat the egg.
    • Add the vinegar, sugar, water, flour, salt and pepper.  Blend well.  Add to the bacon drippings.
    • Mix until well blended.
    • Cook over a low heat, STIRRING CONSTANTLY!  Bring to a rolling boil taking off the heat when you reach your desired consistency.
    • When cool, add the crumbled bacon.
    • Enjoy!

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