Meyer Lemon-Garlic Kale Salad
Tossed with a sweet-tart citrus dressing, this salad is fresh and bright and pairs nicely with just about any main dish.
Ingredients:
1 large bunch Lacinato kale, greens removed from thick stems, washed and patted dry
1 cup slivered almonds
⅓ cup Meyer lemon juice
1½ cups olive oil
4 garlic cloves, peeled and left whole
Sea salt
Method:
1. In a small skillet, toast almonds until golden brown and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
2. In a bowl, combine the lemon juice and 1 heaping teaspoon salt. Slowly whisk in the olive oil. Using the flat side of a knife, crush the garlic cloves and add to the dressing, setting aside to steep.
3. Working in batches, cut the kale into thin ribbons and place in a large bowl. Sprinkle with the almonds. Remove and discard garlic cloves from dressing. Pour half the dressing over the salad and toss. Taste for both dressing and salt, adding more as needed. Serve within 1 hour.
Charred Romano Bean Salad
This simple, satisfying salad courtesy of chef Michael Symon always gets rave reviews!
Ingredients:
1 pound Romano beans, ends trimmed
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 clove garlic, peeled and grated
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons fresh oregano, finely chopped
⅓ cup olive oil
⅓ cup crumbled chevre cheese
¼ cup sliced toasted almonds
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper
Method:
1. Prepare a grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the hot coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only to medium-high heat.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the Romano beans and cook at a rapid boil until tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the beans to an ice bath, then dry on a kitchen towel.
3. Add the beans to a grill basket and place over indirect heat to char them slightly, about 5 minutes. You do not have to cover the grill. When they reach the char level you are looking for, transfer them to a serving platter.
4. Whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, mustard and oregano in a medium bowl. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly, then season with salt and pepper. Pour the oregano vinaigrette over the green beans while still warm, then sprinkle with the chevre and almonds. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Grilled Jumbo Asparagus with Morel Mushrooms & Almond-Parsley Gremolata
A fresh blend of parsley, garlic, almonds and red pepper flakes adds big flavor to grilled asparagus stalks.
Ingredients:
2 pounds jumbo asparagus, trimmed of any tough ends
¼ cup blanched whole almonds
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons lemon zest
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup Morel mushrooms, sautéed in 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
Olive oil
Sea salt and fresh ground pepper.
Method:
1. Set a heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Add almonds and toast, tossing frequently, until golden brown, about 5 minutes total. Let cool to room temperature, then chop finely.
2. In a small bowl, combine chopped almonds, chopped parsley, grated garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine. Add 4 tablespoons of olive oil and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt.
3. Set a grill cooking grate in place, cover the grill and allow to preheat for 5 minutes. While the grill is preheating, place asparagus in a large bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, coating evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Add asparagus to grill and cook, turning occasionally, until well charred and tender, about 6 minutes total depending on the thickness of the stalks. Transfer asparagus to a serving platter and spoon the prepared gremolata and sautéed Morel mushrooms over the top. Serve immediately.
