Yesterday was the “official” start of the grilling season (ok, maybe nobody else thinks so, but in my book THAT is when it starts!). In my house, that means 3 or 4 nights a week dinner will be something off the grill… with the appropriate sides, of course… which for me generally means salad – like this Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette. Winter, spring, summer, fall… it doesn’t matter there is almost always salad somewhere in the day – and many times more than once. I freely admit it, I am a “salad junky”!
But during the summer, I like my salads to be a little lighter… just some greens, a nice “accent” vegetable and a zippy vinaigrette. Tossed altogether in a bowl and I am a happy camper. This Romaine Salad with Blue Cheese Vinaigrette hits all those points – crisp romaine, some lightly pickled red onions (even if you don’t like onions on your salad, trust me, you will like these!!) and a zesty blue cheese vinaigrette. All I need is a nice piece of grilled fish or a steak… and dinner is served at Chez Buchanan! (Ok, a potato or some grilled bread wouldn’t be amiss here either… not to mention, ahem a nice glass of wine!).
Now, you might not have noticed it, but “I’s got some new props” in my photo!! I recently participated in the Food Blogger Prop Swap, hosted by Alyssa of www.EverydayMaven.com and Faith of www.AnEdibleMosaic.com, I sent a box of props to a food blogger and received a box in return!” Seriously, how cool is that???
It was a blast… not only picking out some props to send but getting a fabulous collection of new props like this gorgeous pink plate and napkin from Anne of “From my sweet heart” a drool worthy dessert blog ( her Snickerdoodle Cheesecake is on my “must make” list!!).
And wait till you see what other “goodies” I got…. my food has never looked this good… Thanks Anne!!!
Yes, I know, you don't "like" anchovy paste. But trust me, you won't taste it ! The anchovy paste is critical in this vinaigrette - it adds a depth of flavor that is what makes this dressing so good. The onions need to marinate for about 15 minutes so if you've made the vinaigrette ahead of time (which you absolutely can!) just start on the onions and let them marinate while you get the rest of your meal organized!
Ingredients
- 3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. anchovy paste
- 1 tsp. worcestershire sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced into a paste
- 2 tsp. blue cheese
- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- salt, to taste
- freshly ground pepper, to taste
- 1/2 red onion,peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
- 1 head romaine lettuce, washed with leaves separated
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
Instructions
- In a large salad bowl, combine the sliced red onion and 1 Tbsp. white wine vinegar. Season with salt and toss. Set aside. While onions are marinating, make the vinaigrette. In a medium sized bowl, combine the 3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar, anchovy paste, worcestershire sauce, garlic and 2 tsp. blue cheese. Whisk together until cheese is incorporated (you may have some small lumps remaining and that's ok!). Slowly drizzle in the olive oil and season to taste with fresh ground pepper and salt.
- In a large salad bowl, combine the romaine with the marinated onion slices. Drizzle 1/2 of the dressing on and toss to combine. Taste and add more dressing if desired. Sprinkle crumbled blue cheese on top. Serve!
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