By: Hazel

Working at The Sacred Olive, we hear many folks say to us that they are burnt out on salads. The usual side salad with dinner has just lost its charm… Do not give up hope! We are here to help you think outside the salad bowl.  We have suggestions that take ordinary greens to extraordinary.

The fresh and versatile flavors of our oil and vinegar pairings inspired the following recipe suggestions that transform pantry and fridge staples from dull, into a colorful palette. You will find some repeat ingredients- this is to maintain optimum simplicity for those busy, on-the-go times that we all experience. Keep in mind that each recipe creates a different taste profile!

Warning: You may start craving greens after trying these VERY simple salads!

(And you will be hard-pressed to find more flavorful do-it-yourself dressings!)

Not-Your-Mama’s Garden Salad

When I stumbled upon this fantastic jumble of healthy goodness, I was actually in my neighbor’s garden (with permission, don’t worry) marveling at the assortment of fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. I had only intended to get one type of kale, and returned with two kale varieties, tomatoes, lemons, and basil (the basil comes in the next recipe, hang tight!).

Salad:

• Curly kale and lacinato kale
• Yellow heirloom tomatoes
• Sunflower seeds
• Pumpkin seeds
• Pine nuts
• Avocado
• Chives

*Toast the pumpkin and/or sunflower seeds briefly for a nice roasty taste!

Dressing:

• The Sacred Olive  Koroneiki Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• The Sacred Olive Champagne Balsamic
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice (preferably fresh-squeezed)
• The Sacred Olive Himalayan Sea Salt
• Lemon pepper
• Fresh pressed clove of garlic

Mix greens in a large bowl, add all other ingredients, and toss. Use a whisk to blend the dressing ingredients, then add to bowl and toss again to coat evenly.

Just Peachy Summer Salad

Anyone else crave peaches during the summer? Because if you ask me, the refreshing sweetness of a good peach cannot be beat. Find a few fresh peaches and try this super simple salad that keeps the spirit of summer alive and well in your kitchen!

Salad:

• Peach
• Basil
• Arugula

Dressing:

• The Sacred Olive Basil Olive Oil
• The Sacred Olive Peach Balsamic

Put arugula in a bowl. Dice peach, chop basil and add to bowl. Drizzle liberal amount of basil olive oil and peach balsamic and toss to coat evenly.

Strawberry-Spinach Salad

My grandma has made a phenomenal strawberry-spinach salad for as long as I can remember. And while I never tire of it, The Sacred Olive’s olive oil and vinegar put a lovely new twist on a timeless salad combination. Plus, using chia in this delicious dressing adds another element of nutrition!

Salad:

• Fresh strawberries
• Spinach
• Pecans

Dressing:

• The Sacred Olive Lemon Olive Oil
• The Sacred Olive Strawberry Balsamic
• Poppy seeds
• Chia seeds

Mix spinach, quartered strawberries, and chopped pecans in a bowl. Use a whisk to blend dressing ingredients, then add to bowl and toss to coat evenly.

If you try these ideas and add your own twist to them, let us know on our facebook page! We would love to hear your experience!