Mediterranean Salad & Balsamic Vinaigrette
by Laura Frerichs, Tastemaker in Residence
This is a "recipe" that is tailored to whatever vegetables are in season, and we usually eagerly anticipate the first fennel and cucumbers of the year to make it. One of our favorite variations is below; it is also great with olives and feta cheese. Makes for a lovely cooling salad during the hot and steamy summer months.
Ingredients
2 slicing cucumbers
1 bulb fennel and part of stalks (reserve fronds for a pesto or to grill fish, chicken, or tofu)
1 medium heirloom tomatoes or 1/2 pint of cherry tomatoes
1 sweet pepper, red, orange, or yellow
1 bunch spring onions or scallions
Instructions
- Simply slice vegetables and dress with the balsamic vinaigrette. If you can, prepare salad a bit ahead of time to chill and let the flavors meld together.
Balsamic Vinaigrette
5 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp aged balsamic vinegar
1⁄2 tsp Dijon mustard
1⁄2 tsp honey or pure maple syrup
2 tsp minced shallots or scallions (optional)
1 pinch salt
Ingredients
- Prepare the vinaigrette by combining vinegar, honey/syrup, shallots, salt and whisk in olive oil. Adjust seasonings according to taste.