Today was the hottest day we’ve had so far here in Seattle (high 80’s) since we moved back in mid-January. . . and we have no air conditioning. As I type, we have our portable fans going. . it’s a little warm right now to say the least.
I didn’t want to turn on the oven or cook anything tonight PLUS I indulged and bought myself some Ben & Jerry’s so made this simple salad for dinner. I just threw together what we had at home and here are 3 ways to make your own vinaigrette dressing:
- Basil vinaigrette, click here for ingredients and directions
- Cilantro vinaigrette, click here
- Just a simple vinaigrette. . I’m currently reading “Dinner, A Love Story” and LOVE it. Jenny makes a vinaigrette for a salmon salad that I used tonight and changed it up just a bit.
Spinach Salad with Strawberries
Spinach Salad with Strawberries
Ingredients
- salad:
- • fresh bagged spinach
- • cherry tomatoes
- • yellow or orange bell peppers I would have loved to have used yellow ones for the color but didn't have any so used orange
- • mushrooms
- • cucumbers
- • strawberries
- the dressing:
- • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar I didn't have any so used apple cider vinegar but had to splash some balsamic vinegar as well before I ate the salad
- • 2 teaspoons mustard I used dijon
- • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- • Squeeze of fresh lemon or lime
- • 1/2 cup good extra virgin olive oil
- • salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and chop all of your veggies and the strawberries.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients for the dressing. Season with salt and black pepper if necessary. Pour on salad.
bakingandme says
August 13, 2012 at 8:20 amI never used to like salads with fruit!- but recently I started loving it! Funny how your tastes change as you get older. This looks delicious and I’m definetly going to have to try it. Ps. Your pictures are very pretty 🙂
hipfoodiemom says
August 13, 2012 at 8:24 amI know what you mean! Now, I feel like I always have to have something sweet (fruit) and crunchy (bell peppers or cucumbers) in my salads. 🙂 Thank you so much for the lovely compliment! 🙂