Market Salad with Orange Tarragon Dressing
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love to eat salads this time of year. This salad is inspired from my friend Jenny and her husband Adam. Her husband works at a local restaurant and when they have get-togethers, this salad usually makes an appearance. It is on the menu of
I've said it before and I'll say it again. I love to eat salads this time of year. This salad is inspired from my friend Jenny and her husband Adam. Her husband works at a local restaurant and when they have get-togethers, this salad usually makes an appearance. It is on the menu of
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups arugula
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1/3 cup sliced almonds
- 4 tablespoons honey
- 3 green onions sliced
- 3 tablespoons orange juice
- 2 cloves chopped garlic
- 2/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/3 cup chopped dates
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
- 2 heads romaine lettuce shredded
- 1 bunch italian parsley (i really like to use herbs as a
- 1/2 cup baby tomatoes
- 1 avocado diced (i add this right before i serve it
- 2 ears corn taken off of the cob (i threw it in raw)
- cornbread croutons
- Carbohydrate 111.613774702803 g
- Cholesterol 136.88 mg
- Fat 61.4302217533321 g
- Fiber 11.0278701374757 g
- Protein 66.5423665590042 g
- Saturated Fat 7.77200956511101 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (663g)
- Sodium 513.7247236915 mg
- Sugar 100.585904565327 g
- Trans Fat 3.07957203366554 g
- Calories 1240 calories
Step-by-step
- Put everything in a Mason jar except for the olive oil. Close the top and shake until everything is combined. Pour in olive oil. Shake again until mixed.
- Throw everything into a bowl, except for the croutons. Toss with a little of the dressing. You can always add more, but cannot take away, so go easy with the dressing. I really do not like a salad drenched in dressing. Scatter some croutons on top.
My Go-To Summer Salad: A Recipe for Effortless Elegance
As a busy professional woman, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can be a challenge. However, I've discovered the secret to effortless elegance lies in simple, yet impactful recipes. This Market Salad with Orange Tarragon Dressing is my absolute go-to during the summer months. It's incredibly refreshing, bursting with vibrant flavors, and surprisingly quick to assemble. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile; you can adjust the ingredients based on what’s fresh and available at your local market.
The inspiration for this salad came from a friend whose husband works at a popular restaurant. This salad is a frequent guest on their menu, and for good reason! The combination of crisp romaine lettuce, peppery arugula, sweet dates, and crunchy almonds creates a perfect textural harmony. Then, there’s the dressing – a zesty concoction of orange juice, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and fresh tarragon. It's the star of the show, adding a bright, tangy counterpoint to the richness of the chicken and the subtle sweetness of the corn. I love using fresh herbs; they elevate even the simplest dish.
This salad is not just about taste; it’s about ease and efficiency. I often prepare the dressing in advance, storing it in a mason jar in the refrigerator. The next day, it’s a simple matter of tossing everything together. If I'm short on time, I skip the step of making the cornbread croutons and opt for store-bought ones. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability; feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Perhaps you’d prefer grilled chicken instead of pan-fried? Or maybe you want to add some crumbled feta cheese for an extra salty kick? The possibilities are endless!
Beyond its practicality, this salad is a feast for the eyes. The vibrant colors of the arugula, tomatoes, and orange dressing create a visually stunning dish, perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a healthy meal on a busy weekday. The combination of textures – crunchy, creamy, and juicy – ensures a truly satisfying dining experience. It's the type of salad that leaves you feeling invigorated and ready to tackle whatever the day throws your way.
Pro Tip: To enhance the flavor of the dressing, let it sit for at least 30 minutes before tossing it with the salad ingredients. This allows the flavors to meld and create a more complex and delicious taste.
Ingredients you can easily swap:
- Chicken: Substitute with grilled shrimp, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Nuts: Try pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds instead of almonds.
- Cheese: Add crumbled feta, goat cheese, or blue cheese for a tangy twist.
- Fruits: Incorporate other seasonal fruits like berries, peaches, or grapes.
This salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity. It’s a reminder that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated. With a few fresh ingredients and a little creativity, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that nourishes your body and delights your senses. So, go ahead and give it a try. You won’t regret it!
