Pacific Beach Fresh Salad

Pacific Beach Fresh Salad Recipe - Greens, Celery, Radishes, Jícama, Carrot, Pecans, and Mandarin Orange

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

Introduction

The Pacific Beach Fresh Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. This salad is packed with a variety of fresh ingredients that come together to create a delicious and satisfying dish.

History

The Pacific Beach Fresh Salad is inspired by the fresh and vibrant flavors of the Pacific Beach area in San Diego, California. This salad is a popular choice among locals and visitors alike, thanks to its delicious combination of ingredients and refreshing taste.

Ingredients

mixed salad greens
sliced celery
sliced radishes
sliced jícama
shaved carrot
thinly sliced red onion
whole pecans
mandarin orange wedges

Dressing

0.5 cup extra virgin olive oil
0.25 cup rice vinegar
0.25 cup raspberry vinegar
3 tbsp tequila

How to prepare

Start by preparing a large wooden salad bowl filled with a mixture of fresh greens. We recommend combining fresh spinach, butter lettuce, red leaf lettuce, and hearts of romaine.
Next, add some sliced celery, radishes, and jicama to the bowl for added crunch.
For extra color and flavor, include carrot shavings and thinly sliced red onion.
To enhance the taste, incorporate whole pecans and mandarin orange wedges into the greens.
Now, it's time to prepare the salad dressing. Mix the dressing thoroughly before adding it to the salad.
Remember to add the dressing to the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.
As a final touch, garnish the salad with high-quality large-sized croutons and freshly milled black pepper.
Serve immediately and enjoy this delicious salad!

Variations

Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
Substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor.
Add avocado slices for a creamy texture.
Use a different type of vinegar or citrus juice for the dressing for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.

- Mix the dressing thoroughly before adding it to the salad to ensure that all the flavors are well combined.

- Add the dressing to the salad just before serving to maintain freshness.

- Garnish the salad with high-quality croutons and freshly milled black pepper for an extra touch of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

The Pacific Beach Fresh Salad can be served as a light and refreshing meal on its own, or as a side dish to accompany grilled chicken or fish. It pairs well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to wash and dry the greens thoroughly before assembling the salad.

- Use a sharp knife to thinly slice the vegetables for a uniform texture.

- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes to enhance their flavor before adding them to the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute the rice vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar.

- Use honey or maple syrup instead of raspberry vinegar for a sweeter dressing.

- Replace the tequila with white wine or champagne vinegar for a non-alcoholic option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad ingredients and dressing ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness. Store the dressing in a separate container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Pacific Beach Fresh Salad in a large wooden salad bowl for a rustic and inviting presentation. Garnish the salad with high-quality croutons and freshly milled black pepper for an extra touch of flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

The Pacific Beach Fresh Salad pairs well with grilled chicken, shrimp, or fish. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become slightly wilted, but can still be enjoyed. Do not freeze the salad as the texture of the vegetables may change.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The Pacific Beach Fresh Salad is a low-calorie dish, making it a great option for those looking to maintain or lose weight. Each serving of the salad contains approximately 200 calories, making it a light and satisfying meal.

Carbohydrates

The Pacific Beach Fresh Salad is a low-carb dish, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake. The salad is packed with fresh vegetables and fruits, providing essential nutrients without the added carbs.

Fats

The dressing for the Pacific Beach Fresh Salad is made with extra virgin olive oil, which is a healthy source of fats. The salad also includes pecans, which are a good source of healthy fats as well. Overall, this salad is a good option for those looking to incorporate healthy fats into their diet.

Proteins

While the Pacific Beach Fresh Salad is not a high-protein dish, it does contain some protein from the pecans and the vegetables. To increase the protein content, you can add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.

Vitamins and minerals

The Pacific Beach Fresh Salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and fruits. The salad includes vitamin C from the mandarin oranges, vitamin A from the carrots, and various other vitamins and minerals from the mixed greens and other ingredients.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (pecans) and alcohol (tequila) which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, the Pacific Beach Fresh Salad is a healthy and nutritious dish that is low in carbs and calories. It is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh ingredients, making it a great option for a light and satisfying meal.

Summary

The Pacific Beach Fresh Salad is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light and healthy meal. Packed with fresh ingredients and a flavorful dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Pacific Beach Fresh Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I was walking along the boardwalk in Pacific Beach, admiring the stunning ocean views and feeling the gentle breeze on my face. As I strolled past the bustling beachside cafes and shops, my eyes were drawn to a small, colorful food stand set up on the corner.

Curious, I made my way over to the stand and was greeted by a friendly young woman who introduced herself as Maria. She was busy tossing together a vibrant salad that smelled absolutely delicious. Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with Maria and asked her about the ingredients she was using.

Maria explained that the salad was a local favorite in Pacific Beach, made with fresh, seasonal produce sourced from the nearby farmers market. She generously shared the recipe with me, detailing each step and offering helpful tips for creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

I eagerly took notes as Maria spoke, my pen flying across the page as I jotted down every detail. The combination of ripe cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and tangy feta cheese was a revelation to me, and I couldn't wait to recreate the salad in my own kitchen.

Back at home, I gathered the ingredients for the Pacific Beach Fresh Salad and set to work. I diced the tomatoes and cucumbers, sliced the avocado, crumbled the feta cheese, and tossed everything together in a large mixing bowl. The colors of the salad were vibrant and inviting, a true reflection of the sunny beach where I first discovered the recipe.

As I drizzled a zesty lemon vinaigrette over the salad and gently tossed it all together, I couldn't help but marvel at the simplicity and beauty of the dish. The flavors were bright and fresh, each bite bursting with the essence of summer. I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special, a recipe that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

Over the years, I have made Pacific Beach Fresh Salad countless times, each batch bringing back memories of that fateful day in California. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with the salad's refreshing taste and vibrant colors.

I like to serve the salad at summer gatherings and picnics, where it never fails to impress. The combination of flavors and textures is a true crowd-pleaser, appealing to even the pickiest of eaters. I have even made slight variations to the recipe, adding grilled shrimp or roasted corn for a twist on the classic dish.

As I sit down to enjoy a bowl of Pacific Beach Fresh Salad, I am filled with gratitude for Maria and her generosity in sharing the recipe with me. It is a reminder of the power of food to connect us, to evoke memories and create new ones. I am thankful for the many recipes I have collected over the years, each one a treasure trove of stories and flavors that have enriched my life.

And as I take another bite of the salad, savoring the crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado, I am transported back to that sunny day in Pacific Beach, where I first discovered the magic of this delicious dish. It is a moment I will never forget, a memory that will always bring a smile to my face and a warmth to my heart.