Salad Greens

Yes, we all need to eat our salad! Now that it's in season at the farmers markets, I thought I would share some thoughts and ideas about salad. There are many kinds of salads, but my favorite is the one made with salad greens. Starting with fresh greens is probably the best thing to do. If you don't have your own garden, by all means, look towards the market that is held every Saturday morning in Gloversville.

Over the winter, I was given cases of Romaine, so I am glad there are more greens ready now. Romaine is ok, but just not the flavor I am looking for. So in any case, start with your favorite greens, like maybe a bunch of red and a bunch of green leafed lettuce. I shred this, or some of it, if it's a whole bunch, then add a little spinach, Boston lettuce for body and flavor, and then maybe some iceberg or good old Romaine. But if one is to buy a bag of mixed greens at the Gloversville market, you probably won't need to add much of anything. You cut in some chives or onion tops, chop some dill, watercress, thyme, and a little basil in to be creative or just have it with the usual tomatoes, cukes, olives, and carrots.

The dressing is what really makes the greens, so I will share my recipe for it! Start with some olive oil, vegetable oil, cider vinegar, and balsamic vinegar. One can just sprinkle the olive around with a dash or two of balsamic, but what if you have a big bowl and company to eat it? So then you need to make it in a bottle, I recycled one from store dressing, or you could buy one just for dressing. They have a cork in them for fast pouring. So now measure the two vinegars together to add up to a quarter of a cup. Add some olive oil and regular oil to fill up the cup measure. You could just put all olive oil in for a rich flavor, but not everyone likes it! Now add some flavorings like, garlic fresh squeezed, any seasoning mix, dill, and parsley. I buy seasoning mixes by the ounce and those are so good in the dressing, but I really don't know all the spices in there! The main thing is the garlic flavor, either fresh or powdered is fine. Shake the dressing well and pour over your salad and savor the flavor! I eat salad almost twice a day in garden season, so I have it down to a science! Of course it all depends on what you start with and what you like, but just remember, come to the Farmers markets for all your needs. This Saturday, a local farm will be bringing lots of salad stuff, so come stock up! No, the tomatoes aren't ready, but have yourself some greens with your favorite dressing on them!

Don't forget, the Johnstown market has moved to North Perry in front of Lexington and it starts on Tuesday, May 24th 3-6. There will be some new vendors there, so come check out all the new items1

As always, have a great day!