JAMIE'S SALAD With MAPLE RED WINE VINAIGRETTE

Last weekend I got together with a fantastic group of friends.   We made dinner, had dessert, and rounded out the night by setting up drafts and brackets for the NCAA games.   Being this was the first year I partook in any type of March Madness betting, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing.  But, the night was terrific nonetheless.

The betting may have been the highlight for a lot of my friends that night.  I, on the other hand, found dinner to be the highlight!  More specifically, the salad that was served as the appetizer.   

The couple that hosted the dinner made, and nailed, Jamie Dean’s “Salad with Maple Red Wine Vinaigrette”.   This salad was simple, yet drew you in with its presentation.  The vibrant shades of green from the spring salad contrasted the crumbled feta.  Grapes and craisins added a bit of red, and deliver a sweet, tangy flavor.   And here comes the best part (actually, there are two additions that tip this salad off the charts, but I can’t choose which is better)…pistachios and butternut squash sprinkled over top.  If you haven’t already started salivating, picture a slightly sweet, yet surprising light, maple dressing that ties it all together.

 

I understand that some people don’t like salad.  I’m not a “salad person”, they’ll say.  But come on, folks!  You can’t find better than this!  You really do have to try this salad before swearing them off altogether.  The vibrant colors, varying textures (from the pistachios, craisins, and squash), and mixture of salty sweet flavors makes this salad restaurant worthy.  I give the host so much credit, as he made Jamie’s salad to perfection that night.    

The best part about this salad is that nearly every part of it provides the body with some sort of beneficial nutrient. 

Spring Mix- Vitamins A & K (Keeps skin healthy, aids in vision, and assists in bone metabolism)

    
Feta Cheese- Calcium (In ¼ c. you could get 1/5 of your daily calcium needs, which helps your bones and heart)

Craisins- Fiber (Keep your portion to a 1/3 c. and you’ll be getting nearly 4 grams of fiber.  Adequate fiber in the diet can prevent colon cancer and other complications such as diverticulitis)


Grapes- Vitamin C & Antioxidants (strengthens the immune system and protects against free radicals that can cause cancer)

Pistachios-Vitamin B6 (maintains healthy brain and nerve function)

Butternut Squash- Potassium & Vitamin C (protects bones and reduces inflammation)

Maple Syrup (the real stuff)- a natural sweetener that contains polyphenols (reduces inflammation)

 

This salad makes for a perfect appetizer, but is so delicious you could up the portion and eat it as a full meal.  Makes a great vegetarian dish, though you won’t feel you’re being duped because of lack of sustenance.  You’ll be asking for more because of the brilliant combination of flavors this salad offers.  Believe me, your taste buds are in for a treat.   Here's the link.  Give it a whirl!

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/jamies-salad-with-maple-red-wine-vinaigrette-recipe/index.html