Summer Salad

This picture doesn't do this salad justice, but it will give you the idea. For the last couple of lunches I have catered, this has been a huge hit--the star of the meal. Maybe because it's refreshing--or maybe because it's light and feels like summer. The dressing is taken from one by Paula Deen. This is one of the best homemade dressings I have ever tasted. I will list the salad ingredients, but not quantities, because that will depend on how many you are serving.

Carmie's Summer Salad

This is how I plate it. Then drizzle the dressing on top. It can also be tossed is a large serving bowl with the dressing.

Mixed Greens (we have been using a Mesclan Mix from our garden with some Romaine--a spring greens mix will work)

Slices of Strawberries

Sprinkling of Feta Cheese

A little pile of diced Mango in the center

Sprinkling of Candied or plain, chopped Walnuts

Dressing by Paula Deen:

1/3 C. Cider Vinegar

3/4 C. Sugar

1 t. Salt

2 T. Fresh Lemon Juice

1 C. Vegetable Oil

1/2 small, grated Red Onion

1 1/2 T. Poppy Seeds

1/2 t. Paprika

1 t. Dry Mustard

Combine Vinegar, Sugar, Lemon Juice, and salt in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring frequently. Remove pan from heat and let cool to room temperature.

When cooled, whisk in the remaining ingredients. Chill.

*I don't whisk them in. I put the cooled sugar mixture in a blender and then add CHOPPED up red onion and the remaining ingredients and puree in the blender until smooth, adding the poppy seeds the last few pulses. This makes a nice thick dressing.