Lennie's Tarragon Orange Salad

Lennie's Tarragon Orange Salad Recipe from Niger

Region / culture: Niger | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lennie's Tarragon Orange Salad is a refreshing and flavorful salad that combines the tangy sweetness of oranges with the aromatic flavor of tarragon. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

This recipe was inspired by a classic French salad dressing that combines tarragon with vinegar and mustard. The addition of oranges adds a burst of citrus flavor that complements the tarragon perfectly. This salad is a modern twist on a traditional recipe, perfect for those looking for a unique and delicious salad option.

Ingredients

Salad dressing

4 tbsp sugar
2 tsp sugar
1 dash tabasco sauce
0.5 tsp dijon-style mustard
1 tsp dried tarragon
2 egg yolks
1 dash black pepper
0.67 cup tarragon vinegar
0.75 cup canola oil
0.75 cup olive oil

Salad

1 head romaine lettuce, washed and dried
2 green onions, sliced
0.25 cup almonds, slivered or flaked, toasted
1 (11 oz (312 g)) can mandarin oranges in juice, drained

How to prepare

Salad dressing

First, prepare the salad dressing in advance.
In a food processor, combine sugar, tarragon, tabasco, pepper, egg yolks, and mustard.
While the machine is running, gradually add vinegar.
Continue running the machine and add oils in a thin stream.
Process until the mixture is well blended and creamy.
Taste and add salt if desired.
Keep the dressing refrigerated.
This recipe makes enough dressing for two or three salads, so consider this when looking at the nutritional analysis.

Salad

To make the salad, tear cleaned romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl along with sliced green onions.
Toast the almonds (flaked almonds are preferred) and set them aside to cool.
Drain the oranges well and add half of them to the lettuce and onions.
Toss the salad well with about 0.33 of the salad dressing recipe, or adjust to your taste.
Sprinkle the remaining oranges and the toasted almonds on top of the salad.
Serve the salad.
Any leftover dressing can be stored in the fridge for about a week.

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp to make this salad a complete meal.
Substitute pecans or walnuts for the almonds for a different flavor profile.
Add crumbled feta or goat cheese for a creamy and tangy addition.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to toast the almonds before adding them to the salad to enhance their flavor.

- Make sure to drain the oranges well before adding them to the salad to prevent the salad from becoming too watery.

- Adjust the amount of dressing to your taste preferences - you can always add more or less depending on how tangy you like your salad.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is delicious on its own as a light lunch or served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. It pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

Toasting the almonds adds a depth of flavor to the salad and enhances their crunchiness. Be sure to watch them carefully while toasting to prevent burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tarragon vinegar, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. You can also use fresh tarragon instead of dried tarragon for a more intense flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Simply toss the salad ingredients together right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this salad in a large, decorative bowl to show off the vibrant colors of the oranges and green onions. Garnish with a sprig of fresh tarragon for a beautiful finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetarian dishes. It also complements a variety of wines, from crisp whites to light reds.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The dressing may separate slightly, so be sure to toss the salad well before serving again.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 12g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 32g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 3g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is a good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and Vitamin K.

Alergens

This recipe contains eggs and tree nuts (almonds).

Summary

This salad is a balanced and nutritious option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for a meal or side dish.

Summary

Lennie's Tarragon Orange Salad is a delicious and nutritious option for a light lunch or side dish. With its tangy dressing, sweet oranges, and crunchy almonds, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of excitement. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a friend's barbecue. As I walked into the backyard, the scent of grilled meat and fresh produce filled the air. My friend Lennie greeted me with a smile and a hug, handing me a glass of lemonade before guiding me towards the buffet table.

There, nestled among the array of dishes, was a vibrant bowl of tarragon orange salad. The colors were stunning - bright oranges mixed with deep green herbs, all tossed in a light dressing. I couldn't wait to dig in.

Lennie noticed my interest and came over, a twinkle in her eye. "That salad is one of my favorites," she said. "It's a family recipe that has been passed down for generations. Would you like to know how to make it?"

I nodded eagerly, and Lennie began to explain the process. She spoke with such passion and love for the dish, and I found myself captivated by her words. As she talked, memories of her own grandmother teaching her how to make the salad flooded back to her.

"My grandmother was an incredible cook," Lennie said wistfully. "She always had a way of making the simplest ingredients shine. This salad was one of her signature dishes, and she would make it for every special occasion."

I could see the fondness in Lennie's eyes as she spoke about her grandmother. It was clear that she held a deep respect for the woman who had taught her so much about cooking and life.

After the barbecue, I couldn't stop thinking about the tarragon orange salad. I knew I had to try making it for myself. I called Lennie the next day and asked her to walk me through the recipe.

She was more than happy to help, guiding me through each step with patience and encouragement. I could hear the pride in her voice as she shared her family's culinary tradition with me.

The first time I made the salad, I followed Lennie's instructions carefully. I peeled the oranges, chopped the tarragon, and whisked together the dressing. The kitchen was filled with the fragrant aroma of citrus and herbs, and I felt a sense of accomplishment as I tossed everything together in a bowl.

When I took my first bite, I was transported back to that sunny afternoon at Lennie's barbecue. The flavors were bright and refreshing, the tarragon adding a subtle hint of licorice to the sweet oranges. It was a perfect balance of acidity and freshness, just like Lennie had promised.

I shared the salad with my family that evening, and they all raved about it. They couldn't believe that I had made something so delicious. I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had learned to make such a special dish.

Since then, Lennie's tarragon orange salad has become a staple in my kitchen. I make it for every gathering, just like her grandmother did. It brings back memories of that day at the barbecue, of Lennie's warm smile and the joy of learning something new.

I am grateful to have met Lennie and to have learned this recipe from her. It has become a part of my own culinary repertoire, a connection to the past and a reminder of the power of food to bring people together. And every time I make it, I think of Lennie and her grandmother, and the love they shared through their shared love of cooking.