Fresh Mint and/or Basil Dressing

My sister discovered this delicious recipe while trying to figure out what to do with her abundant Mint crop growing in her yard.  This has such a fresh taste, you will love it!  As noted in the recipe below, I have also made this same recipe using basil leaves or a combination of basil and mint and that is delicious as well!

This works well on salads, protein vegetable bowls, and street tacos.

 Image and recipe from Cookie and Kate.

INGREDIENTS

• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• ½ cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• ¼ cup packed fresh mint OR Basil leaves 
• 3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
• ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
• 10 twists of freshly ground black pepper

-NOTE:  I have doubled the amount of mint/basil leaves in the recipe and love that as well if you like a stronger herb flavor.  It is also really delicious to do a combination of Mint AND Basil together!

Citrus Beet and Avocado Salad

 

Image Credit: Chelsea's Messy Apron

My sister and I made this recipe together.  So now every time I make it I think of her!  I love that about cooking.  It rekindles memories and reminds us of friendships and family.  

This salad is so beautiful and delicious.  It is a nice and creative switch up to your typical salad.  If you can't find all of the different kinds of oranges, just use 1-2 kinds.

Orange Vinaigrette Dressing:

2 TBS fresh navel orange juice + 1 tsp zest

1 tsp dijon mustard

2 TBS honey

2 TBS apple cider vinegar

2 TBS olive oil

salt/pepper

Salad:

4 beets

2 naval oranges

2 tangelos

2 cara cara oranges

2 blood oranges

2 avocados

1/3 c. goat or feta cheese

1/3 c. coarsely chopped lightly salted pistachios

Optional-but highly recommend!: fresh mint or basil