Balsamic Strawberry & Broccoli Salad
It’s strawberry season! Not to mention chive season and lettuce season. Cool evenings and not-too-hot days make for smoother, softer-tasting chives (as the season progresses, they get more and more oniony) and sweeter, softer-tasting lettuce (hot days = more bitter leaves). All of that means it’s the perfect time to enjoy simple salads, either as main courses or sweet sides. This balsamic-splashed berry salad would be fantastic with grilled/sautéed chicken or shrimp, or you could toss with with cooked whole grains to make a heartier meal.
Balsamic Strawberry & Broccoli Salad
Figure on about 1 crown of broccoli, a handful of lettuce, and 6 strawberries per person. Recipe can be made to accommodate any number of diners.
Organic strawberries, sliced (since strawberries are our #1 most-sprayed crop, it’s worth paying an extra dollar or two for organic strawberries)
Mixed baby lettuce OR baby spinach
Cooked broccoli (simmer for 5 minutes in gently boiling water, then drain)
Fresh chives, minced
Balsamic vinegar
Extra-virgin olive oil
Sea salt & freshly cracked black pepper
Poppy seeds for garnish (optional)
Toss strawberries, lettuce, broccoli, and chives together in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with vinegar and oil in 1:1 proportions (start with 1 T. of each and add equal parts of more if the salad seems too dry). Garnish with poppy seeds if desired when serving. This salad would also be wonderful with hard-boiled eggs, grilled/sautéed chicken, or even grilled/sautéed shrimp.
Enjoy!
© Copyright 2011  Allison Stuart Kaplan  www.Askinyourface.com LLC
Another good one!