On a Summer Salad Roll

"I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; 

you need to be able to throw something back." 

-- Maya Angelou

Cook's Notes: Looking for something new to bring to your next BBQ? Try this refreshing Watermelon, Strawberry, and Tomato Salad with Basil Drizzled with Balsamic Vinaigrette. I loved the extra touch of a homemade balsamic vinaigrette over the fruits and tomatoes. I doubled the vinaigrette recipe below so I'd have enough to cover the amount of fruit used in this recipe. Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar elevates the dish to a whole new level. If possible use yellow heirloom tomatoes for a nice color contrast.
Recipe adapted from awholenewtwist.com

Salad Ingredients:

• 3 cups watermelon, cut into bite size pieces
• 2 cups of strawberries, halved or quartered into bite size pieces
• 2 -1/2 cups halved, multi-colored, cherry tomatoes
• ⅓ cup julienned fresh basil
• Optional ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese
• fine grain sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Balsamic Vinaigrette

• 2 TB. good quality dark balsamic vinegar or Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar
• ¼ tsp Dijon mustard
• 1-1/2 tsp. pure maple syrup
• ¼ tsp fine grain sea salt
• 2 TB. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions:

• In a large bowl, layer in order: the watermelon, strawberries, tomatoes and basil.
• If making in advance, cover and refrigerate up to 6 hours.
• For the Balsamic Vinaigrette, add all ingredients in a blender and mix. Place dressing in small covered jar, refrigerate until ready to serve.
• When ready to serve, shake the balsamic vinaigrette, add salt and pepper to taste. Add dressing sparingly to salad and toss gently with fruits. Unused dressing stores well in refrigerator covered. Pairs nicely with a mixed green salad. Add in crumbled blue cheese if using.

GO GREEK it's healthier

Cook's Notes:

A classic summer salad of cucumbers and tomatoes loaded with feta cheese and olives. Perfect as a side dish or as a meal on its own and ready in just 10 minutes! fresh and bright the entire dish is. We’ve got salty, crumbly feta that marries well with our vinaigrette, juicy plump tomatoes, and tender savory olives, what more could you ask for? This may just become your new favorite. The general ingredients are listed, the amount is determined by number of servings you'll need. Optional, adding chopped Romaine. The salad was paired with grilled chicken. 
Salad Ingredients:

• Cherry tomatoes, halved and patted dry on a paper towel
• Diced cucumbers
• Feta crumbles (garlic herb) 
• Caesar croutons
• Olives. halved
• Red onion, slices
• Diced mini red, yellow and orange peppers

Salad Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl. 

Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 TB. lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1 TB. oregano dried
• 1/2 tsp. pepper ground
• 1- 1/2 tsp. sugar

Dressing Directions:

• Mix all in a blender. Taste test to balance flavors. Chill until serving.