Summer Nectar Salad

Introduction

History

The Summer Nectar Salad recipe was inspired by the abundance of fresh nectarines and avocados available during the summer months. The combination of these two fruits with the addition of spinach and bacon creates a delicious and satisfying salad that is sure to please your taste buds.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use ripe nectarines and avocados for the best flavor and texture.

- Shave the vidalia onion thinly to add a subtle onion flavor without overpowering the salad.

- If you choose to add bacon, be sure to cook it until it is crispy and crumble it into small pieces for easy eating.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Summer Nectar Salad as a light lunch or as a side dish for grilled chicken or fish.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making the Summer Nectar Salad is to prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time and toss it with the salad ingredients just before serving. This ensures that the flavors are fresh and vibrant.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have vidalia onions, you can use red onions or shallots instead. You can also use honey mustard instead of dijon-style mustard for a sweeter vinaigrette.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the vinaigrette and chop the salad ingredients ahead of time, but be sure to toss everything together just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the Summer Nectar Salad with fresh edible nasturtiums for a pop of color and a peppery flavor. Serve the salad in a large bowl or on individual plates for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a sauvignon blanc or a pinot grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or a sparkling water with a splash of lemon or lime.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

The Summer Nectar Salad is best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to toss the salad again before serving to redistribute the vinaigrette.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

The Summer Nectar Salad has approximately 200 calories per serving, without the bacon. With bacon, the calorie count increases to around 250 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

The Summer Nectar Salad is a low-carb dish, with approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

The avocado and olive oil in the vinaigrette provide healthy fats to the salad, with approximately 15 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

The bacon in the salad adds a protein boost, with approximately 5 grams of protein per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

The spinach in the salad is rich in vitamins A and C, while the avocado provides potassium and vitamin E. Nectarines are a good source of vitamin C and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains bacon, which may be a common allergen for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, the Summer Nectar Salad is a nutritious and delicious dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Summer Nectar Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for the summer months. With a combination of sweet nectarines, creamy avocado, and crispy bacon, this salad is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I vividly recall the moment I first laid eyes on this recipe. It was a hot summer day, much like today, and I was visiting my dear friend Martha in her quaint little cottage by the lake. Martha was an incredible cook, and she always had the most amazing recipes up her sleeve. On this particular day, she served me a refreshing salad that she called Summer Nectar Salad.

As I took my first bite, I was blown away by the burst of flavors and the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. I simply had to know how she made it. Martha chuckled at my enthusiasm and handed me a tattered piece of paper with the recipe scribbled on it in her elegant handwriting.

I studied the recipe carefully, taking note of each ingredient and step. It seemed simple enough, but I knew that the magic was in the execution. Martha must have sensed my hesitation because she offered to show me how to make the salad herself.

We spent the afternoon in her cozy kitchen, chopping fruits, mixing dressings, and laughing as we shared stories. Martha's hands moved with such grace and precision, and I watched in awe as she transformed a handful of ingredients into a masterpiece of a salad.

As we sat down to enjoy our creation, Martha shared with me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her own grandmother, who had perfected it over the years. The salad was a family favorite, especially during the hot summer months when fresh fruits were abundant.

Martha's grandmother had passed down the recipe to her, and now she was passing it down to me. It was a precious gift, and I promised Martha that I would cherish it and make it for my own loved ones.

Over the years, I have made Summer Nectar Salad countless times, each batch a little different from the last. I have tweaked the recipe to suit my own tastes and added my own personal touch to it. But the essence of the salad remains the same – a celebration of summer in every bite.

I have shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition that Martha started. Each time I make the salad, I am reminded of that sunny day in Martha's kitchen and the joy of learning something new from a dear friend.

The salad has become a staple at family gatherings and summer picnics, always met with smiles and praises. It has become a part of my own culinary repertoire, a reminder of the power of a simple recipe to bring people together and create lasting memories.

As I sit here, preparing another batch of Summer Nectar Salad for an upcoming barbecue, I can't help but feel grateful for the recipe that has brought so much joy into my life. It's more than just a salad – it's a symbol of friendship, tradition, and the simple pleasures of good food shared with loved ones.

And as I take that first bite of the cool, refreshing salad, I am transported back to that summer day with Martha, where it all began. I raise my glass to her, to her grandmother, and to the timeless art of cooking and sharing recipes that bring us closer together. Cheers to Summer Nectar Salad – a true gem in my culinary collection.

Categories

| Avocado Recipes | Bacon Recipes | Balsamic Vinegar Recipes | Canola Oil Recipes | Hass Avocado Recipes | Mustard Seed Recipes | Nectarine Recipes | Spinach Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients