Category Archives: Vinaigrette/Dressing

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Mustard Ranch

March 25, 2017

Cobb Salad

It’s only been almost 2 years since I posted. All I can say is that food and babies don’t mix for me. My last post corresponds perfectly with when I found out I was pregnant with baby #2 and then the sick set in. The second time around was worse than the first for me- I had some degree of aversion to food most of my pregnancy. And it turns out having 2 kids is slightly more chaotic (and sleepless) than one, so it has taken a long time for me to find the time/energy/etc. to get back here. But it doesn’t mean I haven’t been cooking. The minute I give birth my appetite comes back and then it quadruples with the nonstop nursing. So lots of cooking and eating going on this past year. I have more than fifty drafts of recipes I want to share (many I’ve made repeatedly and have become quick-healthy-kid-approved favorites)!

My goal is to post a recipe once a week. Bonus if I can pull out my real camera and take a photo to go with it. My phone might have to do occasionally. I can count on one hand the number of time I’ve used my DSLR in the last year-ish: Gwen’s birth, Christmas morning, and Gwen’s first birthday. (She turned 1 on March 1st so no excuses now that I technically no longer have a baby!) Besides adding another girl to our family, last year we moved from Colorado to the Seattle area. And I absolutely love it here! The winters are milder, the summers are glorious, the Pacific Northwest is stunning, and I can’t get enough of this city. Dustin started working with a new pediatric dental practice (a job that may become permanent- we are yet to see), we took our first trip to Europe (babymoon!), and took our first international trip as a family (Costa Rica!).

Now that we’re somewhat caught up, let’s talk about this recipe. My post-pregnancy self craves salads and protein (and I’ve lost much of my sweet tooth which is slightly sad, but mostly great for my health). So we eat a lot of greens and meat. This salad packs in a lot of protein with grilled spiced chicken breast, bacon, and hard-boiled eggs. And I even snuck some Greek yogurt into the dressing. I included the changes I made next to the original recipe. I chose to grill the chicken because my indoor grill pan is my best friend, but come summer I’ll definitely be repeating it on the outdoor grill. My girls devoured theirs and my husband didn’t complain that he was eating salad for dinner so that’s saying something!

Grilled Chicken Cobb Salad with Honey Mustard Ranch

INGREDIENTS

Grilled Chicken:
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. paprika (I used smoked paprika)
1 tsp. kosher salt
3/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. thyme leaves
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (I just added a pinch)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I used 18 oz.)

Honey Mustard Ranch Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise (I used half mayo and half low fat plain Greek yogurt)
1/4 cup buttermilk
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
2 Tbsp. honey
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. paprika
pinch of cayenne pepper
3/4 tsp. kosher salt (I only used 1/2 tsp. and think it could be reduced further)
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1 (15-ounce) can corn kernels, drained and patted dry (I used Trader Joe’s frozen roasted corn)
1 head iceberg lettuce, chopped (I used romaine lettuce)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 large avocado, cubed
10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (I only used six)
4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

DIRECTIONS

Cook the chicken and the corn:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with oil. (I grilled my chicken on an indoor grill pan headed to medium-high.)

2. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon oil, paprika, salt, cumin, thyme, black pepper, and cayenne. Rub the mixture all over the chicken. Place the chicken on the baking sheet and bake until cooked through but still juicy, 15 to 20 minutes (or grill). Transfer the chicken to a plate and when cool enough to handle, cut into small bite-size pieces.

3. Meanwhile, arrange the corn on the same baking sheet. Crank up the heat to broil and broil the corn until just slightly charred, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool. (I roasted my corn in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.)

Make the dressing:

4. In a small bowl, stir together the mayo, buttermilk, mustard, honey, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Assemble the salad:

5. Arrange the lettuce on a serving platter or in a big salad bowl. Top with the tomatoes, avocado, bacon, roasted corn, eggs, and chicken. If you’re like me, line them up in the most OCD way possible and get really annoyed when the lines aren’t perfectly straight. Drizzle the dressing to taste over the salad, and toss if you want to ruin all those pretty lines. Serve immediately. Any leftover dressing keeps in the fridge for a week or so.

Serves approx. 4.

(Adapted from Cravings)

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Charred Corn Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

June 6, 2014

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For memorial day we grilled these steak kabobs (the recipe can be used for chicken, turkey, steak, pork… all yum) and had that sugar cookie crust fruit pizza I already shared for dessert. On the side I served a Smoked Gouda pasta salad that mimics the addictive one you can find at Whole Foods (I’ll be posting it next) and this charred corn salad. Both were a bit hit. Thankfully there was so much food to go around we had a bit leftover and I hoarded them to devour the next day. And both tasted just as good- maybe better- with age.

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I charred my ears of corn on my trusty Griddler, but I bet an outdoor grill would provide even more flavor. The charred kernels are cut off the cob and tossed with red onion, cherry tomatoes, and an amazing basil vinaigrette. Think lots and lots of fresh basil with some garlic, olive oil, and cider vinegar. Let it sit a few hours to marinate if you can resist. And enjoy it all summer.

Charred Corn Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS

6 ears fresh corn on the cob, shucked
1-2 Tbsp. canola oil
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups packed fresh basil leaves
1 clove garlic, grated
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1 (10-16 oz.) container small cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 small red onion, diced

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat an indoor grill pan or outdoor grill over high heat.

2. Brush or rub each cob with some canola oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place the corn on the hot grill and char each side, 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want the corn to get great char marks! Once the corn has charred, set aside until cool enough to handle. Once the corn has cooled, stand each ear up, stalk end down, in a wide, shallow bowl and, using your knife, slice the corn kernels off the cob.

3. Meanwhile, make the vinaigrette. In a food processor, add the basil and garlic and pulse until the basil starts to break down. Add the vinegar. Continue pulsing while adding the oil in a steady stream and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. (I added 1/2 tsp. kosher salt.)

4. In a large mixing bowl, combine the corn, tomatoes and red onion. Drizzle the basil vinaigrette over the salad and toss to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serves 8.

(Adapted from Kelsey Nixon, Cooking Channel)

Spinach Salad with Oranges, Avocado, and Pistachios

March 5, 2012

As much as I’m ready for spring and relishing these 70 degree days (well, yesterday was warm and sunny- today it’s snowing), I’m still enjoying winter eating. This season brings the best of citrus and what better way to enjoy an orange than in a tangy-sweet salad accompanied by creamy avocado and nutty pistachios. I whipped together a honey-orange vinaigrette to drizzle atop. I was hosting (half) my family for dinner and this salad disappeared quick. A new winter favorite.

Spinach Salad with Oranges, Avocado, and Pistachios

INGREDIENTS

6 oz. baby spinach
6 oz. mixed greens
2-3 navel oranges
2 avocados, pitted and diced (toss in a squeeze of orange juice to prevent browning)
pistachios, toasted

Honey-Orange Vinaigrette:
2 Tbsp. orange juice
1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
1 tsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. honey
3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. To make the vinaigrette, whisk to combine the orange juice, vinegar, Dijon and honey. Slowly stream in the olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2. In a large bowl combine spinach, mixed greens, oranges, avocado, and pistachios. Drizzle with vinaigrette, toss, and serve.

Serves 6-8.

(Adapted from Serious Eats)

Cranberry-Almond Grilled Chicken Salad

February 17, 2012

For the first few months of this pregnancy I could barely eat anything that resembled a vegetable. Lettuce? Forget it. And meat was equally repulsive. Bread and fruit kept us alive. Thankfully, I’ve recovered much of my appetite and I’m getting my greens again. Salads are especially enticing. And since I’ve been surviving off of this one lately, I figured it was time I shared it with you. It was inspired by a salad I ordered at a local cafe, and conveniently uses ingredients that I usually have on hand. I’ve made it a dozen times, and half a dozen different ways. In fact, this time I forgot to add the carrot. No biggie. But it’s best with all the elements to play off each other- sharp cheddar and crisp apple, tart-sweet cranberries and toasty almonds, juicy tomato and cool cucumber. The chicken is definitely optional. I’ve paired it with a honey-mustard vinaigrette here, but it’s equally delicious with balsamic or pomegranate dressings as well.

Cranberry-Almond Grilled Chicken Salad

INGREDIENTS

mixed greens
spinach
carrot, shredded
grape tomatoes, halved
cucumber, diced
cheddar cheese, grated
apple, thinly sliced
sweetened dried cranberries
sliced almonds, toasted
chicken breast, seasoned with salt and pepper, grilled and thinly sliced

Honey Mustard Vinaigrette:
1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. honey
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. To make the salad, combine mixed greens, spinach, carrot, tomatoes, cucumber, cheddar, apple, cranberries, and almond on a large plate or bowl. Top with grilled chicken breast.

2. To make the vinaigrette, whisk to combine the vinegar, Dijon, and honey. While whisking constantly, slowly stream in the olive oil to emulsify. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Drizzle over salad and serve.

Vinaigrette serves 3-4.

(Vinaigrette from this recipe)

Heather’s Smoked Gouda, Pecan, and Cherry Salad with Green Onion Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

June 1, 2010

I find that I don’t talk much about my non-food life here on this blog. I do spend my time in ways other than grocery shopping, cooking, baking, eating, and food blogging. Like going to school, for instance. But only for 7 more months! In December I’ll be graduating from nursing school and become an RN! That part of my life is also busy and somewhat more interesting than what I eat. But sometimes nursing and food don’t mix so well. It can be unappetizing. Luckily, I’ve grown accustomed to it. Nothing tastes as good on a hospital floor scarfed down in the 15 seconds between a soiled bed change and catheter insertion. But when I get home I can down a plate of pasta while simultaneously describing the sacral ulcer debridement I saw in the OR that day. My husband (who spends his life in people’s mouths- which I find much grosser) doesn’t appreciate my stories during dinner so much. And it would be counterproductive if you, my readers, left here nauseous rather than salivating.

So I stick to the food. And throw in tidbits here and there about what else I do. My summer semester started last week and tomorrow is my first day back in the hospital. I get to survive my first 12-hours shifts in the STICU (surgery trauma intensive care unit) and the rest of my hours will be back on L&D (labor and delivery). I won’t be delivering any babies this time around but rather shadowing a nurse clinician/manager for a leadership class. No matter. L&D is my only love so far and I’m thrilled to be back on that floor in any form (except as a patient- I’m not quite ready for that yet)!

Oh, yes, about this salad. It’s awesome. My friend Heather shared the recipe with me, which I believe she got from her mom. I could go on and on about how good it is, so just believe me. This unique vinaigrette features green onion and pretty poppy seeds. I reduced the sugar by half from the original recipe and it is still very sweet.

Heather’s Smoked Gouda, Pecan, and Cherry Salad with Green Onion Poppy Seed Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS

spring mix + spinach
pecans, whole or chopped
dried sweetened cherries
red onion, thinly sliced
smoked Gouda, grated

Green Onion Poppy Seed Vinaigrette:
1 whole green onion, ends removed
2 Tbsp. organic cane sugar
1/2 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 tsp. salt
1/6 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp. poppy seeds

DIRECTIONS

1. In a blender or food processor, puree onion with sugar, mustard, salt, and red wine vinegar. With the motor running, slowly stream in the olive oil. Add the poppy seeds and pulse to combine.

2. Toss spring mix and spinach and top with pecans, cherries, onion, and cheese. Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve.

Makes about 3/4 cup of vinaigrette.

(Recipe courtesy of Heather Sedwick)