Carrot Salad with Preserved Lemon Vinaigrette
Inspired by French bistro salads, this bright and flavorful carrot salad is a vibrant stunner of a side dish. The addition of preserved lemon provides a salty, savory kick to the dressing and the cilantro is refreshing and clean. This salad is great at room temperature, and keeps well for several days (getting better by the day). Preserved lemon paste is easily found at specialty grocery stores and online.
Serves 4, easily multiplied
Dijonnaise Grilled Broccoli
The idea of smearing a mayo based sauce onto vegetables prior to grilling might feel counterintuitive until you realize that mayo provides not only flavor but also gives the vegetable a nice nonstick coating. The broccoli gets nicely charred and crispy, and the addition of Dijon and red pepper flakes makes this simple dish everyone’s favorite.
Serves 4, easily multiplied
Watermelon Salad with Thai Basil and Black Pepper Vinaigrette
Indiana is a significant watermelon producing state particularly in Knox County, where over 70% of the state’s watermelon crop is grown. In July, when the farm stands open up and we start spotting those deep green Sugar Baby melons on the side of the road, it’s easy to stock up every week. One of our favorite ways to work through the heavy, juicy melons in the summer is this savory fruit salad.
The simple, pantry-friendly black pepper vinaigrette here is a personal favorite. It is acidic, earthy, and has that special subtle heat that comes from freshly ground black pepper. Fresh Thai basil gives a lot of freshness and salty ricotta salata sprinkled on top gives texture.
Serves 4-6, easily multiplied
Grilled Potatoes with Boursin
Boursin—the flavor-packed crumbly cheese found in small boxes in grocery stores across the U.S.—is useful for a quick punch-up to an otherwise simple recipe. In this case, large yellow-fleshed potatoes are cut into wedges and grilled until perfectly roasted and deeply golden. The hot potatoes melt the cheese a little bit and before you know it you have a super seasoned, delicious potato side dish.