Savory Inspiration
Be inspired by what you find when you shop for fresh produce. When I saw this package of mini heirloom tomatoes at my local Trader Joe's, I was inspired by the colors to make a fresh spring salad as a main course for a special lunch.
Letting the tomatoes be the star, I just added some thinly sliced red onion, mache lettuce, avocado and just a bit crumbled goat cheese.
I used the same simple vinaigrette I described in this post which I like to assemble in a glass storage jar with a tight lid. It makes mixing it easy as well as storing any leftovers.
My very favorite way to eat salad is to add a cup of warm steamed rice just before serving. Not only does it make a more complete meal, but it is so delicious. I use jasmine rice, but you can use any rice you like. It's an especially great way to use leftover rice. To re-steam cold rice, just place in a microwave safe bowl with a damp paper towel covering it and heat for 1 to 2 minutes.
I am not a big kitchen gadget person, I still use a hand mixer (!) but I'm really glad I invested in a rice cooker. I use and highly recommend this low tech and fairly inexpensive Panasonic version.
all photos & content © Lara Rossignol
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 6:01AM
Reader Comments (4)
I always love seeing those tomatoes at Trader Joe's. The colors really brighten any day. And your salad looks delicious!
Yummy looking salad :-)
I'm so intrigued by adding rice to salad....I'm a bonified rice junkie (any sort of rice I can get into my system makes me happy), and that's something I've never seen before.
I got the ideal while watching Top Chef, one of them said she made it for her kids all the time and made it for a quick fire and won. I am sure you will love it, since you love rice!