Tag Archives: summer salad recipe

RAW ZUCCHINI SALAD

July 2, 2013

Filed Under : RECIPES

RAW ZUCCHINI SALAD

New favorite salad alert! Sometimes a great salad recipe comes around and you just gotta hold onto it tight and never let it go. Especially in the summer, when squash is aplenty and fresh Mediterranean flavors are exactly what you’re craving. I found this recipe on the Free People blog via Cookie & Kate and it’s seriously the best. Here it is, modified slightly since I only had zucchini and no yellow squash. Although I’m sure that yellow squash would kick this salad out of the park. PS, it’s even better the second day when all the flavors have intensified. TRUST!

RAW ZUCCHINI SALAD
Serves 4
recipe adapted from Cookie & Kate (here)

1 1/3 cup Israeli couscous (I used a whole box from Trader Joe’s and just followed the directions on the box)
1/3 cup olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 shallot, minced
pinch of sea salt and ground black pepper
1 cup chickpeas (or use the whole can if you’re like me)
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes, chopped
1/3 cup crumbled feta (or more if you’re like me)
10 kalamata olives, sliced (or more!)
2 medium zucchinis, sliced into super thin rounds using a vegetable peeler or mandoline (I used v. peeler and it was easy)
1/3 cup pinenuts, toasted
1/3 cup basil, chopped (I used a little less)

Ok I know that looks like a lot of ingredients, but I promise it’s easy and worth it.

To cook couscous, like I said, I just followed the directions on the box from Trader Joe’s, but here are C&K’s directions, which are slightly different: Bring 1 2/3 cup salted water to boil. Stir in couscous, cover, reduce to simmer. Cook for 18-20 minutes until couscous is cooked through and water is absorbed.

While the couscous is cooking, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, shallot, sea salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the cooked couscous and toss to coat.

Toss the couscous with the remaining ingredients (chickpeas, tomatoes, feta, olive, zucchinis, pinenuts, and basil) until mixed together.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Never look back.

P.S. Happy birthday to my AMAZING mother!

Watermelon & Tomato Salad

July 24, 2012

Filed Under : EAT - RECIPES

Picking out a good watermelon at the supermarket is like the Olympic games to me.  If I grab a perfectly ripe one, I expect to be given a gold medal and somebody better start singing the national anthem.  Plus, it’s not easy deciphering between a crap watermelon and a really amazing one.  So for this recipe, pick out a real nice one and win yourself a gold medal.  I’ll give you a champion’s secret: knock on it and see if it sounds hollow.  If it does, it’s likely a winner.

I love experimenting with watermelons because surprisingly, they pair well with lots of different flavors.  My favorite way to prepare it is blended with lime juice to make a bomb.com agua fresca.  I also love making salads with it, like this lovely recipe for example.  It’s deliciously sweet with a perfect contrast from the tangy feta and balsamic vinaigrette.  I can literally eat it all day long (and I do!).

Watermelon & Tomato Salad
+ cubed watermelon (use half of a small watermelon for 4 people)
+  halved cherry tomatoes (i use yellow ones for contrast in color)
+ torn mint leaves
+ crumbled feta cheese
+ balsamic vinaigrette*

I didn’t use measurements because I think it’s 100% your preference.  If you like lots of mint, toss in a whole bunch.  If you’re really into feta cheese, throw the whole container in.  Mix the first 4 ingredients together in a bowl.  Swirl in the balsamic vinaigrette.  For half of a small watermelon, I usually use about half of the vinaigrette recipe below.  But if you like it extra balsamic-y, add more.

*Balsamic Vinaigrette
+ 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
+ 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
+ a squeeze of honey
+ salt and pepper to taste

Combine ingredients into a mason jar and shake, shake, shake.

Friday Love List

August 12, 2011

Filed Under : EAT - INTERIORS - RECIPES - STYLE

Is it Friday already??  I swear this week just flew by.  3 minutes ago I was typing out my post for M Street Kitchen and now it’s the end of the week.  My super busy work week was to blame, especially this little diddy that was going on.  But you know what?  I really love work.  That’s going to be #1 on my love list this week.  I love my dang job!

  •  I’m also loving this corner of my desk (in my home office – promise to show more soon!), complete with my new favorite Rifle Paper Co. notebook, a Le Pen (a swoonworthy pen, let me tell you), a couple washi tapes, a stamp, and some baker’s twine.
  • These Colby June rings are so gorgeous and I want all of them.
  • Last Friday, we went to First Fridays in Venice, which is an art walk of sorts with lots of food trucks and fun things going on.  LOVED it.
  • It’s a no brainer that I’m obsessed with Destined to Design blog because it has all my favorite elements: design, style, food, typography, and lots more goodness.  She also has one of my favorite Pinterests.
  • These Steven boots are absolutely perfect for the end of summer and the transition into fall.  Need them asap.  Also, I’m gonna throw it out there: I like websites with free shipping.
  • Lusting after this chain bag from Nasty Gal.
  • I want to make this summery salad from Green Kitchen Stories.  That grilled zucchini paired with raw apples and beets looks like a dream come true.
  • Oh hey, our dining table is being delivered today!  It’s a big hunk of wood and I cannot wait to see it.