::homemade dressings::

The summer time is filled with backyard BBQ's, picnics at the park and late night get-togethers with friends. And I really cant imagine any of those settings without a salad as one of the dishes to share. As I've told you here, I love a good salad. Sometimes all I really have is the spinach, so I rummage through my refrigerator and pantry until I find some goodies to throw in with the leaves. Most times, my unusual combinations turn out pretty pleasing... I try to write those down or store them well in my brain for next meal.

mixing

How fun would it be to impress your friends with some homemade salad dressings...? You can brag how they're all natural and that all the ingredients are organic (mine are) and that you just threw it together, last minute. They would be so thrilled. I have found and created a few that I think are some healthy options. They taste great and are so flavorful without all the empty calories and  extra fat. Plus, most of the dressings are created to enhance the natural flavors in your salad mixture- like the use of ginger or lemon.

my dinner from the other night

All recipes can be stored in an air tight container (glass or plastic) and in the refigerator for a few weeks, any longer and it gets a little questionable. I hope these recipes help you to excite your friends and treat yourself to a delicious DIY creation that you can personally be proud of!!

Speaking of DIY, I have just completed a project that had been inspired by Emily over at Cupcakes and Cashmere. I decided to try her bottle topper idea, but tweaked it a little to make it my own. I hope to show you a little later in the week.

Thousand Island Dressing
3/4 cup greek yogurt
3 TBSP sour cream ( I use non fat)
1/3 cup ketchup
1/4 cup pickle relish
1 Tablespoon minced onion
1 hard boiled egg, chopped (optional)

Italian Dressing Mix
1 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 Tablespoon onion powder
2 teaspoon oregano
1 Tablespoon dried parsley
2 teaspoons sea salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried celery flakes
to make the dressing- Add 2 TBSP dry mix, with ¼ cup (red wine or balsamic) vinegar, ¼ cup olive oil, ¼ cup lemon juice 2 TBSP water

Almond Ginger Dressing (great for a Cobb salad)
1/2 cup raw almonds
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 cup water
4 tablespoons tahini
1 medium clove garlic
3-4 basil leaves
1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled
Blend together in a blender till smooth and add water 'till the right consistency.

Orange hummus dressing (great for a salad with fruit in it)
3 Tbsp plain Hummus
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
3 Tbsp orange juice
1 tsp mustard
1 tsp honey
½ lemon squeezed
1 tsp garlic powder
Red pepper flakes to taste (depends how hot you like it)

Creamy Avocado Dressing (it's a really great dip too)
2 avocados, peeled and pitted
Juice of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lime
1 tsp. lime zest
1 Persian cucumber
1/2 c. water
1/4 c. chopped cilantro
1/2 to 1 tsp. chili powder
Dash of sea salt
blend all together and add additional water if you like it thinner.

sources 1,2

Rabbit Food



my dinner creation the other evening

 I have to be honest... I have been made fun of before because of my love for salads. I can go out anywhere and probably find a salad on the menu that I love. A lot of times, when I'm at home I like to try and re-create my favorites.. or come up with some of my own. Salads are one of the easiest meals to make and eat. you can whip up everything and throw it in a Tupperware with a side of dressing and your good for lunch or dinner on the go.. heck I've even had salad for breakfast before. I love a salad that is filled with a ton of ingredients. I always pick very flavorful items, that way I can taste the individual fresh flavors and most times I only add a little balsamic vinegar to enhance.

Most of my salads start with Romaine or Spinach as a base, and then I build from there. I like to add nuts, dried fruit, lots of other vegetables, a protein, different spices... and if I'm really cheating I'll add some goat cheese. It's really up to you what you add, and the possibilities are endless. I have added some of my favorite salad recipes.. hopefully it inspires you to create some of your own or just enjoy mine.

A Trip to the Golden Coast

Spinach (2 cups)
hard boiled egg (x2)
cherry tomatoes (a good handful)
raw broccoli (1 cup)
green olives (x5, finely chopped)
Avocado (1 med, sliced)
English cucumber (1/2 cup)
golden raisins (1/4 cup)
grilled shrimp seasoned with Cheyenne pepper and 21 seasoning salute (from Trader Joes)
spicy roasted pecans (sprinkled on top)
dressing: 1 lime, 1 lemon, one clove chopped garlic

The Sweetest girl you've ever met

Spinach (2 cups)
cucumber (1/2 cup)
carrots(x2, shredded)
Roma tomato (diced into 1/2 inch cubes)
pistachios(sprinkled on top)
Pink Lady apple (chopped)
dried cranberries (large handful)
quinoa (1/3 cup cooked)
garbanzo beans (1/3 cup)
dressing: balsamic vinegar and a little honey/agave nectar

THE Dinner salad

Romaine lettuce (1 head)
Spinach (1 cup)
Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup)
Avocado (1 large, diced)
carrots (1/2 cup, diced or shredded)
mushrooms (1/2 cup, sliced)
pepperchinis (as spicy as you like)
grilled chicken seasoned with lemon pepper.
Kalamata Olives (1/3 cup)
black beans (1/3 cup)
toasted walnuts (just a handful)
toasted pine nuts (sprinkle on top when serving)
sprouts (put on top when serving)
goats cheese (2 TBSP, sprinkle on top)
dressing- Non fat Balsamic Vinegrette or salsa verde mixed with lemon juice.