Warm Dinner Salad

Warm Dinner Salad

When the weather is cooler – and even when it isn’t – I love a warm salad like this. It’s light and fresh but the warm ingredients ensure it feels substantial enough for dinner.

per person

1 large handful main ingredient, sliced
1/2 tablespoon acid
1/2 teaspoon soy sauce, optional
1-2 handfuls salad leaves, washed and dried
small handful highlight ingredient

1. Heat a little oil in a pan and cook highlight ingredient over a medium heat until cooked to your liking.

2. Meanwhile, combine acid, soy and 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a medium bowl. Taste and season.

2. Toss leaves gently in the dressing. Place leaves on a serving plate.

3. Top dressed leaves with the warm main ingredient and scatter over the highlight ingredient.

variations

main ingredient – mushrooms, chicken breasts, chicken thighs, steak, lamb fillet, roast veg, eggplant (aubergine), halloumi, tofu, cooked or canned lentils, cooked quinoa, canned chickpeas, canned beans.

acid – Sherry vinegar, rice wine vinegar, lemon juice, lime juice, red/white wine vinegar, champagne vinegar, balsamic.

soy-free – skip the soy sauce and be more generous with the salt. Or try a dash of fish sauce instead.

leaves – pretty much anything you like. Watercress, baby spinach, all lettuce, rocket (arugula), basil, parsley, mint, lovage, baby kale, baby cavolo nero, brussels sprouts leaves.

highlight ingredient – shaved parmesan, goats cheese, marinated feta, ricotta, finely sliced ripe grapes, shaved pear, roast almonds or other nuts, seeds, toasted breadcrumbs.

leftover potential?

Not the greatest. Will go a little soggy in the fridge, although I do know people who like their salad after it has been ‘marinated’ for a while. Go figure.

problem solving guide

dressing not sticking to the leaves – Usually this is a sign the leaves weren’t completely dry after they were washed. Next time spin dry in a salad spinner or pat really well with paper towel.

too oily – You’ve got too much dressing. Toss in some more leaves if you have them or transfer to a clean bowl and toss again so some of the excess dressing comes off onto the sides of the bowl.

too dry – Not enough dressing for the amount of leaves. Mix up a little more dressing and add to the leaves a little at a time. Keep the remainder of the dressing in the fridge.

serving suggestions

Wonderful as a light dinner on its own.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –