Dear Terra,

I need a potluck dish for this weekend that is Earth-friendly and uses some of the produce from my yard. Any suggestions?

Headed to the Lake!

Dear Headed to the Lake,

Here’s a main dish salad that looks yummy! I clipped it from the Spokesman Review this morning and plan to try it myself over the Labor Day weekend. There is cheese in the dish, but no meat for us flexitarians!

Terra

Pizza Salad with Marinated White Beans

   1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

   1/4 cup red wine vinegar

   1 garlic clove, halved

   Salt and Pepper to taste

   8 fresh basil leaves, chopped, or one sprig rosemary, left whole

   Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

   3 cups cooked white beans, (i.e., cannellini, great northern) or two 15 oz cans, rinsed and drained

   5 oz lettuce of your choice (about 8 cups)

   1 pint quartered or sliced tomatoes (cherry, grape or other ripe tomatoes)

   1 lg shallot, thinly sliced

   6 oz small mozzarella balls or ½” cubes of fresh mozzarella

   8 large basil leaves, chopped

In a small saucepan, whisk together first 6 ingredients. Add beans. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and let come to room temperature. Let marinate for 30 minutes (or up to 5 days, in fridge).

Assemble salad: In large bowl, toss lettuce, tomatoes, shallot, mozzarella, parmesan and basil. Add beans and marinade. Toss and serve.

Yields 6 servings

Categories: Dear Terra