Dressings & Salads & Vinaigrettes

January 13, 2021January 13, 2021

Crispy Shallot Farro Salad

This Crispy Shallot Farro Salad with Shallot Vinaigrette is simply divine! Using the cooled infused shallot-oil as the base for the dressing adds a depth of flavor like no other! The perfect thing about this salad is how universal it can be, as either a side dish or main entree.

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

2-3 romaine lettuce heads, washed, quartered & chopped

1 cup farro

2 cups vegetable broth

1 bay leaf

1 tsp. Himalayan pink salt

Shallot Vinaigrette

3 oz. shallots, halved & thinly sliced

1/3 cup avocado oil

3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

2 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard

2 tsp. agave

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

Optional

2 Tbsp. flat leaf parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Directions

In a small skillet on medium heat, add oil and sauté shallots until golden brown, roughly 8 minutes. Remove shallots with slotted spoon onto a paper towel and add oil to a blender.
Begin a low speed and carefully drizzle apple cider vinegar with Dijon, agave, and pepper. Set aside.
In a pot, bring vegetable broth, bay leaf, and salt to boil and add farro. Reduce heat to low and simmer, cooking for 27 minutes or until liquid is absorbed and cooked. Remove from heat and cool for 10 minutes.
On a large plate, place lettuce down and top with farro and vinaigrette. Top with crispy shallots.
Serve garnished with parsley and basil.

Chef’s tip: For individual plates, top romaine with 1/2 cup farro for each plate.

March 6, 2020May 14, 2020

Vegan Caesar Dressing

Creamy and garlicky, this vegan Caesar dressing uses capers, instead of anchovies, giving it that signature taste you all know and love. I find this recipe to be more than just a dressing since you can utelize it in so many ways. Chickpea salads, vegan burgers, and Caesar salad wraps are a few fun ideas that are delicious! On your next salad night, try something different with this dressing, homemade croutons, and tons of romaine lettuce. A fun tip! If you cut the lettuce 1-1/2” from the bottom, place the remaining stem in about 1/2” water, you can watch it re grow! Be sure to change the water every 1 to 2 days and once you have some leaves, plant it in soil for 45 to 55 days! Its that simple and you have lettuce at your fingertips literally.

Yield 8 oz

Ingredients

3 small garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. red wine vinegar

1/2 Tbsp. capers, smashed into a paste

2 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 cup vegan mayonnaise

1/2 cup chopped vegan Parmesan cheese

1/4 tsp. Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Directions

In an 8 ounce mason jar, combine all of the ingredients and mix until well combined.
Place in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld together or serve immediately. For best results, leave overnight.

Chef’s tip: If you don’t have capers, you can use green olives. Just make sure to mince the olives into a paste-like consistency.

November 23, 2019October 31, 2020

Pomegranate-Feta Salad

Bring this light and fresh Pomegranate-Feta Salad with sliced pears to any party and watch it disap-pear! Dark leafy greens always make for the healthiest salad, especially when adding other vibrant fruits and vegetables. It’s super easy to toss together and makes for the perfect side dish for any meal.

Yield 8

Ingredients

1/2 cup pecans

1/4 cup organic cane sugar

1 (10 oz) container mixed greens or arugula

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

1/4 red onion, sliced thinly

1 large Bosc pear, cubed

1 (8 oz) package vegan feta

Dressing:

1/4 cup avocado oil

3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

1 lemon, zested and juiced

3 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp. maple syrup

1 tsp. freshly grated ginger

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Directions

In a small mason jar, combine all of the dressing ingredients and shake until combined; Set aside.
Using a small skillet on medium heat, add the pecans and sugar. Melt the sugar until it coats the pecans and turns to a syrup-like consistency. Place pecans onto a parchment lined baking sheet to cool. Be sure to separate them as the cool, otherwise they will stick together.
On a plate or bowl, place the lettuce and top with onions, feta, pears, and pomegranate seeds.
Drizzle dressing before serving and enjoy.

Chef’s tip: Add a dash of maple syrup to the dressing to sweeten it up!

Other recipes

Roasted Balsamic Glazed Vegetable Salad

Crowd-Pleasing Roast

Butternut Squash Soup

July 19, 2019May 14, 2020

Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing

When it’s hot and humid outside (like it is here in sunny SoFla), this refreshing strawberry salad with homemade poppy seed dressing is the meal you need to beat the heat. One of the best parts about it is how easy it is to make and how versatile it can be! Whether you want to add other fruits or nuts – or even a different dressing, the options are endless.

Yield 4

Ingredients

1 package spinach

1 cup strawberries, sliced

1/2 red onion, sliced thinly

1/3 cup pecans, chopped

Poppy Seed Dressing:

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

1-1/2 Tbsp. avocado oil

1-1/2 Tbsp. poppy seeds

1-1/2 Tbsp. agave

1/2 tsp. dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. kosher salt

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

Directions

In a large bowl, lay the spinach down and top with strawberries, onion, and pecans.

In a smaller bowl or mason jar, combine the dressing ingredients and give a good mix until well combined.

Pour on top of the salad and serve.

April 30, 2019May 14, 2020

Sweet Cucumber and Onion Salad

One of my favorite things I recently acquired a taste for are my grandmothers cucumber and onion salad, which is marinated in vinegar and sugar overnight. The sweet taste and tangy flavor from the two ingredients give this side dish the perfect touch it needs.

Yields 2 cups

Serves 2-3 people

Ingredients

1 medium onion, sliced very thin

1 English cucumber, sliced thin

1/4 cup vinegar to start then 1/2 cup of more

1-1/2 tsp. organic cane sugar

Directions

Thinly slice the onion, cucumber, and add to a mixing bowl.
In another bowl, add the vinegar, sugar, and stir combined. Pour over cucumber and onions and give a good toss.
Place into the fridge for 3-4 hours or overnight for best results.

Chef’s tip: Allow the cucumbers, onion, and “brine” to meld overnight for maximum flavor.

March 7, 2019November 6, 2020

Roasted Balsamic Glazed Vegetable Salad

Back in high school, when I was a prep chef, I was in charge of preparing a wide variety of the foods and some dishes. Normally, a typical salad is with lettuce of some kind, but not this version. My Roasted Balsamic Glazed Vegetable Salad is truly mouth-watering and light on the belly. Sometimes that’s exactly what you’re looking for, whether a light lunch or maybe a fun pre-dinner salad.

Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

2 yellow squash

2 zucchini

1 eggplant

1 large shallot, minced

1 package alfalfa sprouts, garnish

1 large garlic clove, minced

1 tsp. onion powder

1 Tbsp. avocado oil

1/2 tsp Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

1 tsp. fresh parsley, minced

2 Tbsp. balsamic glaze or reduction

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
Cube your squash, zucchini, and eggplant. Place onto a slightly greased baking sheet, sprinkle with herbs, seasoning, garlic, balsamic glaze, and place into the oven.
Bake for 30-40 minutes; stirring half way through. Remove from the oven
Press mixture into a round mold of choice and top with sprouts.

Chef’s tip: Feel free to add any type of seeds or pepitas to this salad.

January 18, 2019May 14, 2020

Tahini-Agave Mustard Dressing

I don’t know about you guys, but honey mustard has always been one of my favorite dipping sauces. In my recipe, I use tahini as the base ingredient instead of mayonnaise, as well as raw agave to replace the honey. Whether you are dunking your French fries, having a “burger”, or enjoying a salad, this dressing covers it all- Literally! I usually keep a few bottles of dressing in my refrigerator at all times, this being one of those (and my homemade ranch usually being another). Having some go-to sauces is extremely handy and will make you second guess buying store bought versions they aren’t as healthy for you. Not only do they taste better, but they don’t have any preservatives and you get to control the flavor 100% of the way, making it spicier or more mild depending on your taste!

Yields 4-5 servings

Ingredients

1/2 cup tahini

2 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp. dijon mustard

2 Tbsp. white vinegar

1/2 cup raw agave

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/4 tsp. ground black pepper

Directions

Using a hand held emersion blender, combine all ingredients into a mason jar and blend until well-mixed.
Use dressing for salads or dipping sauces.

Chef’s tip: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of spice.

December 24, 2018October 31, 2020

Festive Kale Salad with Cranberry Vinaigrette

Welcome to your new favorite holiday kale salad! Kale has been one of my favorite go-to leafy greens for awhile now because it is so nutrient dense. It is an excellent source of Vitamin C and is loaded with powerful antioxidants (Kale Yeah!) The cranberry vinaigrette is made with freshly squeezed citrus, cranberries, vinegar, agave, and other flavorful components. Whether it is your first time trying kale or you have had it plenty of times before, this recipe is something you’ve gotta check out.

Yields 4-5 servings

Ingredients

6 cups kale, de stemmed and sliced – need

3 Tbsp. avocado oil

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/2 cup Vitacost organic walnuts

2 clementine oranges

1/2 cup cranberries

1-1/2 tsp. lemon juice

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 Tbsp. shallot, minced

1 Tbsp. agave

1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

Directions

In a large bowl, add the kale and massage with a drizzle of olive oil for 1-2 minutes, until tender.
In a small pan, add the oil and shallots and sauté for 2 minutes. Then add the garlic, lemon juice, garlic, agave, and apple cider vinegar. Cook for 1-2 minutes on low and remove from heat.
Place the clementine wedges and walnuts onto the salad. Drizzle the slightly warm vinaigrette over the salad and give a good toss.

Chef’s tip: If you would like to add pomegranate seeds, they would be a delicious touch to this salad!

December 3, 2018May 14, 2020

Homemade Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing is usually made with buttermilk or other dairy ingredients, but not this time! My homemade ranch dressing is made with fresh parsley, dill and other plant-based ingredients. It’s really the best tasting ranch I’ve had, and better than anything store-bought. Other than it being super easy to make, the benefit of making it at home are having no added chemicals or preservatives that would otherwise been added. This dressing is great to drizzle on any salad or even as a dip for vegetables, so be sure to keep this stocked up in your fridge!

Yields 2-3 servings

Ranch Dressing:

1 cup vegan mayonnaise

1/2 cup vegan sour cream, (optional)

1/4 cup cashew milk

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

2 tsp. fresh parsley

1/2 tsp. fresh dill

1/2 tsp. chives

1-1/2 tsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Directions

In your blender, add all of the dressing ingredients (except parsley, dill, and chives) and blend until well mixed. Mix in the herbs and set in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.

Chef’s tip: Feel free to add some cayenne pepper or some sriracha to make this ranch spicy!

November 26, 2018May 14, 2020

Chopped Salad with Homemade Ranch

Sometimes a big salad paired with homemade ranch is just what we need in life. This plant-based alternative may not have all of the dairy but it sure is not missing out on any flavor. With all of the fresh ingredients, this salad is truly something your entire family will enjoy. Whether you are making this for a lunch or a big family dinner, you can always add your own favorites to make this salad to your liking. Get ready to toss this together because once you taste the flavor this salad packs, you will be craving more with each bite!

Yields 2-3 servings

Ingredients

3 hearts of romaine, chopped and diced

1 cup chickpeas, cooked

1 (8 oz.) cherry tomatoes, halved

3 corn on the cob

2 avocado, diced

2-3 Tbsp. hemp seeds

1 cup shredded carrots

Ranch Dressing:

1 cup vegan mayonnaise

1/2 cup vegan sour cream, (optional)

1/4 cup cashew milk

1 tsp. garlic powder

1/4 tsp. onion powder

1/4 tsp. Vitacost Himalayan Fine Pink Salt

1/8 tsp. ground black pepper

1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar

2 tsp. fresh parsley

1/2 tsp. fresh dill

1/2 tsp. chives

1-1/2 tsp. lemon juice, freshly squeezed

Directions

In your blender, add all of the dressing ingredients (except parsley, dill, and chives) and blend until well mixed. Mix in the herbs and set in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to meld together.
In the mean time, prepare the salad by chopping the lettuce and filling a medium bowl. In segments, add the carrots, avocado, tomatoes, and chickpeas.
Top salad with hemp seed and pour dressing on top when ready to serve.

Chef’s tip: To adjust the thickness, add or remove some cashew milk depending on your preference.