Off The Counter: A Summer Salad

I have this reputation as "the salad queen" that I haven't been living up to lately.  My obsession with kale (which I only like sautéed) may just be the reason.  While visiting family and friends back East, I was reminded of my once salad greatness.  When the first few people we visited asked if we were going to have one of "Debra's salads", I realized I needed to begin preparing them again.

Here's one that combines all my favorite summertime ingredients:  figs, tomatoes, peaches and fresh mozzarella.  Drizzled with honey and chives the salad takes on the fresh, sweet flavor of the season.  Ingredients and instructions below.

Ingredients:

Figs, peaches, tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, honey, chives, olive oil,  rice vinegar and sea salt.

Instructions:  

This salad holds its pretty appearance best if prepared in individual bowls.

Cut the figs, peaches and tomatoes into generous slices.  Lightly salt the tomatoes prior to adding them to the rest of the fruit in the bowls.  Using your hands tear chunks of mozzarella into each bowl.  Drizzle all the ingredients with honey and lightly dress with olive oil and rice vinegar.  Top it off with chopped chives.

Enjoy!

Do YOU have a favorite salad?  If so, do share.

Many, many thanks to LB for her Cambridge hives honey!

Off The Counter: Peach Caprese Salad With Crushed Pistachios

This week's Off The Counter is a fresh take on the traditional Caprese salad.  Sliced peaches and crushed pistachios give this classic a surprisingly sweet and crunchy flavor while the layered arugula leaves add a peppery pop.  Ingredients and instructions below:

Ingredients

Tomatoes, mozzarella, peaches, pistachios, arugula, salt, pepper, olive oil and rice vinegar.

Instructions

Slice the tomatoes, the fresh mozzarella and the peaches.  Layer them on a tray, add the arugula leaves and drizzle all with olive oil and rice vinegar.  Sprinkle crushed pistachios over the top.  Salt and pepper to taste.  Serve and enjoy this seasonal favorite!