This week’s French Fridays with Dorie challenge is for this delightfully simple salad. It’s beautiful and delicious – just like something we’d order in an elegant restaurant overlooking the beach in Santa Barbara.
I made two versions of this recipe because I can’t eat peppers or cucumbers. So, I followed Dorie’s recipe for John with the addition of blanched, sliced asparagus which I prepared for mine. I absolutely love avocado, so I added it without hesitation. I found mache and micro greens at Trader Joe’s. I love mache – it’s such a pretty alternative to spring greens. We were lucky to have all the herbs growing in our garden, too!
We served this beautiful salad with a cheese plate, a sliced baguette, and Orchid Hill’s Muscat Canelli. The biggest surprise for me was how well grapefruit pairs with mint. This is a lovely starter salad that’s chock full of vitamins, color, and flavor.
This goblet is from our Depression Glass collection – it’s Duncan Miller Teardrop. |
Rose says
Your meal looks so elegant and asparagus sounds like a great substitute. We are only now starting to see asparagus at the local markets so I am going to buy some today for next week’s recipe.
Gorgeous cheese plate too!
mireia badia says
You always make amazing pictures!! That salad looks great!!!
Cher Rockwell says
Beautiful, Susan.
I love the idea of serving this with a cheese tray.
Katerina says
Very elegant presentation Susan and I love the ingredients you have incorporated in this salad!
The Café Sucré Farine says
What an incredibly delightful and delicious looking salad – such a pretty presentation too!
Kris' Kitchen says
What a beautiful meal. I love asparagus and agree that it would be perfect in this salad. Your meals are amazing just like you blog that they are!!!
Thanks for the award. It’s fun to have our blogging friendship and I’m happy that you think of me.
Nana says
I am always impressed by your presentation of a meal. This looks so elegant and delicious. I took a pass on this week’s recipe
and let Tricia have all the fun. Lovely photos, as usual.
Adriana says
Your meals are definitely a labor of love – everything is simple but so beautifully presented. That cheese platter calls me right now. I can’t wait to get home to slice some up.
Dessert By Candy says
The goblet is so appropriate to showcase this gorgeous salad. You’re right that it’s elegant enough to be served in a restaurant. Wish I tried the avocado option. Next time!
Heather Kinnaird says
Gorgeous goblet! What a fantastic meal.
Lizzy says
Beautifully done, Susan! And I love your asparagus version, too…yum! Have a wonderful weekend~
Kathy says
Susan, Love your pretty presentation in your beautiful goblet! I also collect depression glass. Your versions of this salad are lovely! I would love this with the asparagus…I will have to try that next time!
Anonymous says
Your salad looks great and almost exactly like Dorie’s but DARN! Your dishes are wonderful! 🙂
Alice @ http://acookingmizer.wordpress.com
Elaine says
I love all the greens in your salad, Susan. What an elegant meal this made!
Paula @ Vintage Kitchen Notes says
Your salad looks fresh! The goblet is perfect for it. I sat this one out since I´m kind fo allergic to fish and shellfish. Good job!
Gracie says
Wow look at you. What a spread!!!
Julie says
What a great idea to add asparagus. I might do that for Easter. Your table is so inviting.
Betsy says
Susan, you are so right that this is like something served in a restaurant. I love your beautiful glasses. And, I do love a good cheese plate. Looks like you were offering some lovely selections. BTW, I wanted to mention that if you do come to Boston and have time, I’d love to meet you.
Foodiva says
Asparagus and avocado are perfect additions to this salad! I’d like to dine at your house because you serve your food up beautifully and I’m so taken with your gorgeous tableware 🙂
Christy says
Your plating and tableware collection are always stunning. The depression glass is particularly striking. The addition of asparagus sounds delicious.