Salads can be terrific go-to meals, particularly in the summer. You can add or remove any ingredient, or try different combinations as you please. The only limit is your own imagination!
My inspiration for "The Big Salad" is twofold. First, of course, is Elaine's perpetual quest for The Big Salad (or Ensalada Grande) on "Seinfeld". I'm sure that if Elaine liked the same things I like, this would be the salad for her! My second inspiration is the Soho Grill on 31st Street in Astoria. They let you design your own salads, starting with spinach or mixed greens, and adding any combination of dozens of mix-ins. They stir the salad for you in a large bowl, and repackage it in a plastic bowl to go. What a great concept!!
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The Big Salad
About 2 oz. mixed greens (enough to almost fill a large bowl)
6-8 grape tomatoes, halved
slices of red onion
4 small knots of fresh mozzarella, quartered
1/2 oz grilled chicken, cut in small pieces
1 oz. trail mix (raisins, dried cranberries, peanuts, slivered almonds)
2 tbs balsamic vinaigrette
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Stir with salad tongs. Serve.
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Notes
- There's a lot of protein here (chicken, mozzarella, peanuts), so feel free to eliminate some if it's too much for you.
- Trail mix adds a bit of sweetness to the salad. I use "Cranberry Fitness Mix" from Stew Leonard's in Yonkers, NY. You can use any type of trail mix you like, or simply add in a handful of raisins & peanuts.
- I use pre-packaged greens that have fresh herbs added to them. You may want to add some fresh dill, basil, and/or thyme for a nice flavor.
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If you've enjoyed this recipe, or any of the others on this site, please let me know!!
