This simple salad is crisp, beautiful
and delicious! The edible flowers add an exotic earthy
flavor; while the vinaigrette’s slightly sweet
taste adds a lively smoothness that wraps it all together.
Greens
| 4 Servings |
| Level of Difficulty: Easy |
| High fiber and very low fat |
| baby mixed greens |
1 big handful for each person —
about 6-8 cups |
| edible flowers |
found in the produce section of your
market or at your local farmer’s market —
wash before |
| English cucumber |
1 whole — peeled and sliced very
thin |
Vinaigrette
I make my vinaigrette tangy, but if you want a
more smooth taste, add more olive oil.
| extra virgin olive oil |
1 cup |
| blackberry vanilla vinegar |
3/4 cup store bought or *homemade |
| sea salt |
to taste |
| white pepper |
to taste |
Place salt and vinegar in a narrow bowl and let stand
for 5-10 minutes. Place a damp towel around the bowl
so the bowl does not move while whisking the vinaigrette.
Begin to whisk in the olive oil a small amount at a
time. Keep whisking until all the olive oil is incorporated
into the vinegar. Add the pepper. Keep in a sealed jar
and refrigerate. Take out of the refrigerator at least
15 minutes before use so the vinaigrette will soften.
Will keep refrigerated for several weeks.
*Homemade Blackberry & Vanilla Vinegar
| water |
2 cups |
| sugar |
1/2 cup |
| blackberries |
3 cups |
| vanilla bean |
1 whole — about 5-7 inches long |
| cabernet vinegar |
1/3 cup |
| champagne vinegar |
1/3 cup |
| balsamic vinegar |
1/3 cup |
Place berries and sugar in a pot big enough to cover
berries with water. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise
and scrap out the soft center into the water. Add the
remainder of the bean. Bring berries to a boil and then
turn down heat to a soft simmer. Let simmer until berries
are soft, about 20 minutes.
Remove from heat. With the back of a large spoon, completely
smash the berries.
Let them sit in the syrup until completely cool.
Strain and combine about 3/4 - 1 cup blackberry syrup
with the cabernet vinegar, champagne vinegar and balsamic
vinegar. Give it a good shake to blend flavors. Refrigerate.
It will hold in the refrigerator for several weeks. |
