Champagne Salad Dressing and Herb Salad

Champagne Salad Dressing and Herb Salad Recipe - Greens, Basil, Arugula, Feta, and More

Preparation time: 10 minutes | Servings: 2-4

Introduction

Champagne Salad Dressing and Herb Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines mixed greens with a tangy champagne dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a dinner party.

History

The combination of champagne vinegar and fresh herbs in a salad dressing has been a popular choice for many years. This recipe takes that classic flavor profile and adds a modern twist with the addition of feta cheese and ginger.

Ingredients

Mixed Greens Salad

1 cup of mixed spring greens
0.33 cup of fresh sweet basil leaves, torn
0.33 cup of fresh arugula
1 cup of fresh nasturtium leaves
2 medium green onions, chopped
2 oz (57 g) of feta cheese
5 tbsp of champagne vinegar
5 tbsp of extra virgin herb olive oil
0.5 tsp of sea salt
0.25 tsp of dijon mustard
1 tsp of freshly grated ginger
1 tbsp of chopped parsley

How to prepare

In a salad bowl, combine vinegar, olive oil, sea salt, mustard, ginger, and parsley.
Add greens and herbs to the bowl.
Toss the salad to mix all the ingredients.
Finally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad.

Variations

Add grilled shrimp or chicken for a protein boost.
Substitute other herbs such as mint or cilantro for a different flavor profile.
Use goat cheese or blue cheese instead of feta for a different taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh herbs for the best flavor in this salad.

- Toss the salad just before serving to ensure that the greens stay crisp.

- Adjust the amount of vinegar and olive oil to suit your taste preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this salad as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also pairs well with a glass of champagne or white wine.

Cooking Techniques

Tossing the salad gently ensures that the dressing is evenly distributed and coats all the greens and herbs.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have champagne vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and chop the herbs ahead of time, but wait to toss the salad until just before serving to keep the greens crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for an elegant presentation. Garnish with additional fresh herbs or edible flowers for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. It also complements a variety of wines, such as champagne, sauvignon blanc, or pinot grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze. Re-toss the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 180

Carbohydrates

Total Carbohydrates: 4g

Dietary Fiber: 1g

Sugar: 1g

Fats

Total Fat: 15g

Saturated Fat: 4g

Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

Protein: 3g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 30%

Vitamin C: 15%

Calcium: 10%

Iron: 6%

Alergens

Contains dairy (feta cheese)

Summary

This salad is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium. It is low in carbohydrates and sugar, making it a healthy choice for those watching their intake of these nutrients.

Summary

Champagne Salad Dressing and Herb Salad is a light and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a tangy dressing, fresh herbs, and creamy feta cheese, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha who had just returned from a cooking class in Paris. She was raving about this incredible Champagne Salad Dressing that she had learned to make, and she insisted that I taste it.

As soon as I took a bite of the salad dressed in that tangy, sweet, and slightly bubbly dressing, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. Martha graciously shared the recipe with me, and I treasured it like a precious gem.

To make the Champagne Salad Dressing, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1/4 cup Champagne vinegar

- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

- 1 teaspoon honey

- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

In a small bowl, whisk together the Champagne vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until well combined. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking constantly to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

I have made this Champagne Salad Dressing countless times since that fateful day at Martha's house. It has become a staple in my kitchen, and I love to serve it with fresh greens, sliced strawberries, and toasted almonds. The combination of flavors is simply divine, and it never fails to impress my guests.

But the story of this recipe doesn't end there. Over the years, I have added my own twist to the dressing, incorporating fresh herbs from my garden to elevate the flavors even further. My herb garden is my pride and joy, and I love nothing more than using my homegrown herbs in my cooking.

One day, while experimenting in the kitchen, I decided to add a handful of chopped herbs to the Champagne Salad Dressing. I chose a mixture of basil, parsley, and chives, and the result was absolutely spectacular. The dressing took on a whole new dimension of flavor, with the bright, aromatic herbs complementing the tangy Champagne vinegar perfectly.

And so, the Herb Salad was born. To make this delightful salad, you will need the following ingredients:

- Mixed salad greens

- Sliced strawberries

- Toasted almonds

- Chopped fresh herbs (such as basil, parsley, and chives)

- Champagne Salad Dressing

In a large bowl, toss together the mixed salad greens, sliced strawberries, toasted almonds, and chopped herbs. Drizzle the Champagne Salad Dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of this delightful dish.

I have shared this recipe with friends and family, and it has become a beloved favorite among all who have tried it. The Herb Salad has become a signature dish of mine, and I take great pride in serving it to my loved ones on special occasions.

The joy of cooking and sharing delicious food with others is one of life's greatest pleasures. I am grateful for the many recipes and cooking tips that I have collected over the years, and I cherish the memories of learning new dishes from friends like Martha.

As I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I am always on the lookout for new recipes to try and flavors to explore. Cooking is an art form, and I am constantly inspired by the endless possibilities that exist in the world of food.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, don't be afraid to experiment and create something new. Who knows, you may just stumble upon a recipe that becomes a cherished favorite for years to come. And remember, the most important ingredient in any dish is love. Happy cooking!