A Salad Template

Last night I sat down and ate a whole pint of grape tomatoes. Even as tomato season comes to a close, these little guys pack a lot of flavor, making them a go-to salad staple year-round.

My favorite salads usually have something green (not necessarily lettuce), tomato, some kind of cheese, and a vinaigrette.

Here's an easy vinaigrette recipe which you can adapt for just about any use:

Ingredients:
3 Tbsp vinegar
3/4 tsp salt
1/3 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

Directions:
Whisk together first 4 ingredients. Slowly add the olive oil a little at a time while whisking constantly.

Easy enough right?


For a Greek salad, use red wine vinegar and add some garlic and dried oregano. Toss with coarsely chopped tomato and cucumber, sliced red onion, feta, and Kalamata olives.


For a Caprese salad, use balsamic vinegar and toss with fresh mozzerella cheese, tomatoes, and basil chiffonade.


For a mixed green salad, use either champagne vinegar or balsamic and toss with spring mix, goat cheese, dried cranberries, and tomato!

As you can see I like lots of goodies in my salad, and the more cheese the better!