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

Pistachio Gelato

We've experimented with several Pistachio gelato recipes now.  This is the best version we have so far!  Picture comes from here.

INGREDIENTS:

2. 1/4 cup salted shelled pistachios (about 3 3/4 ounces)
3. 1/2 cup sugar
4. 2 cups whole milk
5. 5 large egg yolks
6. Chopped salted pistachios

PREPARATION: Finely grind 1/4 cup pistachios and 1/4 cup sugar in processor. Combine pistachio mixture and milk  in heavy medium saucepan. Bring to boil. Whisk yolks and 1/4 cup sugar in large bowl to blend. Gradually whisk milk mixture into yolk mixture. Return mixture to saucepan. Stir over medium-low heat until custard thickens slightly and leaves path on back of spoon when finger is drawn across, about 8 minutes (do not boil). Remove from heat.  Refrigerate custard until cold, about 3 hours. 

Process custard in ice cream maker according to manufacturer's instructions. Transfer to covered container and freeze. (Can be prepared 1 week ahead. Keep frozen.) Scoop into glasses or bowls. Garnish with chopped pistachios.

Cranberry Pistachio Chicken Salad

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup whole fat plain Greek yogurt
• 2 cup cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/4 cup shelled unsalted pistachios, chopped
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• salt and pepper
• Bread
• mixed baby greens

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
2. In a large bowl, mix chicken, pistachios, cranberries and parsley.
3. Add mayonnaise mixture and stir to coat.
4. Add poppy seeds, and fresh lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Spoon onto bread, top with baby greens.

Fresh Fig Green Salad

 I had this salad at my sister's house.  I've never had figs in a salad before.  They are so beautiful!  This is a great salad to break away from usual routine!

Fresh Figs, sliced
Fresh Greens (I like to use the mixed greens from Costco)
fresh basil, chopped
diced red onion
goat cheese
optional fruit (blueberries, raisins, chopped apple, pears, grapes)
pistachios (or slivered toasted almonds)

Honey Mustard Dressing:
1 garlic cloves, minced
1 c. light olive oil
2 TBS dijon mustard
3 TBS honey
3 TBS red wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp ground black pepper