Does anyone else feel like it is already February 425th? This month has gone on and on and on and on. Although it is warmer that usual here in Minneapolis, this is the point in winter where everyone is needing a good dose of sunshine. Enter the Roasted Beet and Citrus Salad.
I am a bit of a creature of habit and almost no where is that more evident than in my daily lunch choices when I’m home. I love to make big salads, full of whatever veggies I have in my fridge. The key to making salads really stand out is definitely the dressing. While I do love some store bought options (especially the ones by Salad Girl), I also love to make my own. Lately, I’ve had this Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette on repeat.
Making your own salad dressing really is just about one of the easiest things in the world. All you really need is good oil, an acid, some seasoning, and a jar. I came up with this simple Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette while up at Lane’s cabin this spring. We were testing a lentil dish (coming to the blog soon!) and the flavor I had in my head wasn’t really working out. We had an abundance of lemons and herbs that weekend, so I grabbed some mustard, a little thyme, a fresh lemon and got to work. About 2 minutes later, I had this delicious vinaigrette that was perfect with the lentils and has been on repeat all summer….
As I’ve become more comfortable in my kitchen over the years, I’ve discovered there are a few things in life that are just so much better when you make them yourself. Chief among them is salad dressing. I used to have about ten different kinds in my refrigerator at any given time. Most of them were loaded with creepy preservatives, a boatload of sugar, and far too many ingredients I couldn’t pronounce. Worst of all? They really weren’t that good. Once I discovered just how easy it is to make your own dressings my salad game changed forever (and I have a lot more refrigerator space!). One of my favorites is this White Balsamic Vinaigrette….
I love winter food. Short ribs and mashed potatoes. Pastas and soups. My dutch oven works overtime putting out delicious comfort foods. But despite a temperature today of -21 (I am sadly not exaggerating about that one), I just craved salad. But it had to be a hearty one. One with a tangy dressing. A salad like Roasted Pear and Apple Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette.…