The Sunday Special on QVC features a delightful culinary highlight this November 25th with David's Salad Recipe, a fresh and vibrant dish designed to bring a touch of gourmet to your weekend. This recipe combines simplicity with exquisite flavors, making it an ideal choice for both novice cooks and seasoned food enthusiasts looking for a quick yet elegant meal.
Ingredients for David’s Salad
Here’s what you need for this delightful recipe:
- Lettuce: A base of crisp lettuce varieties like romaine, or even a mix for added texture.
- Protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu cubes for a vegetarian twist.
- Fruit: Sliced strawberries, mandarin orange segments, or apple wedges.
- Cheese: Feta, goat cheese, or parmesan shavings.
- Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or pine nuts for crunch.
- Dressing: A vinaigrette of your choice or try David’s special dressing recipe (see below).
David’s Special Vinaigrette
While you can opt for store-bought dressings, here’s how to make a homemade vinaigrette that complements this salad:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing Your Ingredients
- Lettuce: Wash thoroughly, pat dry, and tear into bite-sized pieces.
- Protein: If using chicken or shrimp, marinate with olive oil, lemon, salt, and pepper. Grill or sauté until cooked. For tofu, ensure it’s drained and pressed before cooking.
- Fruit: Wash and prepare the fruit, cutting them into bite-sized pieces. If using mandarins, peel and segment them.
- Cheese: Crumble or shave the cheese according to your preference.
- Nuts: Lightly toast the nuts in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their flavor.
Making the Dressing
Combine all the vinaigrette ingredients in a small jar or bowl:
- Add the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and honey.
- Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Shake well if using a jar or whisk thoroughly in a bowl until the dressing emulsifies.
Assembling the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, arrange the lettuce base.
- Add the grilled protein, spreading it evenly across the greens.
- Top with fruit, nuts, and cheese.
- Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side.
- Toss gently to mix, ensuring not to overmix as you want to preserve the structural integrity of each component.
🔔 Note: If preparing in advance, keep the salad and dressing separate until serving time to maintain the freshness of each ingredient.
David's Salad Recipe not only offers a burst of flavors but also a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests or simply elevate your weekend meal. Each component of this dish has been selected to complement one another, providing a balance of savory, sweet, creamy, and crunchy textures. Whether you're looking to enhance your culinary skills or just trying to shake up your routine meal prep, this salad is a perfect addition to your repertoire.
Can I make this salad vegan?
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Yes, you can easily make this salad vegan by substituting the cheese with a vegan alternative or omitting it altogether. Use tofu instead of chicken or shrimp for your protein source, and ensure your vinaigrette contains no honey, or substitute with agave syrup.
What are some variations for the salad?
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David’s Salad is quite versatile:
- Try adding quinoa or farro for added grainy goodness.
- Switch up the fruit with seasonal varieties like pears or grapes.
- Add avocado slices for creaminess, or cherry tomatoes for color.
How long can this salad be stored?
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If kept undressed, the salad can last for 2-3 days in the refrigerator. Once dressed, it’s best eaten within a few hours to maintain its crispness and flavor.
What other dressing options go well with this salad?
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Here are some dressing alternatives:
- A creamy blue cheese or ranch dressing.
- Asian inspired sesame ginger dressing.
- A light lemon yogurt dressing.
