This morning was my first official lay out session at the beach here in Maui. Every cell in my body is singing right now!
I got up and did some work, then at 10:30AM I set out for the beach. I’m on a pretty regimented tanning system for the next month. My skin is so white that I really can’t be out in the sun for longer then 30 minutes at a time and with sunscreen. I’m determined to tan like a Goddess but not burn one bit. Its my way of mitigating the fact that tanning is no longer considered healthy or chic with the fact that I’m a total sun worshiper. This is what I’m calling conscious tanning.
When I got back from my walk from the beach, I was starving. I threw together this salad and it was perfect. The textures where soft with a bit of crunch now and then and all the flavors were mild and sweet. As usual, I threw things together as they called to me from the refrigerator, and the dressing was no exception. I recommend practicing your culinary intuition by working this way now and again. It really develops your relationship with food.
::Apres Beach Salad::
1 head of organic butter leaf lettuce washed and torn by hand
5 radishes sliced into rounds
1 16 oz container of mini fresh mozzarella balls
1 avocado halved and sliced
1 organic green onion chopped
Combine all items except the avocado in a large salad bowl and set aside until ready to serve. I wait until the salad is ready to serve to add the avocado slices in order to keep them fresh and green.
Serves 2-4
::Maui Dreams Dressing::
3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 balsamic reduction
salt to taste
pepper to taste
1 Tbsp dried Oregano or to taste
1 Tbsp dried Basil or to taste
1/2 Tbsp dried Thyme or to taste
1/2 Tbsp Cumin powder or to taste
I used a very thick balsamic reduction for this and it will not fully emulsify the oil. But it created a lovely tart sweet tasting dressing. Makes enough for several uses.
1. Take all the ingredients and whisk together until they are all blended. Serve immediately. Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week.
2. Drizzle over salad with a spoon.
Enjoy!
The Cilantropist says
Your maui dressing sounds so similar to the type of dressing I throw on most of my salads and it is simple yet totally delicious! And ahhh laying out at the beach, I can't wait for my turn. 😉
penny aka jeroxie says
that is very very healthy. 😉
Isabelle says
I love putting radishes and avocados together… it's such a wonderful contrast of textures and flavours. I'm sure it's even tastier after a couple of hours of lying in the sunshine, too. 🙂
Sadly, not too many laying-on-the-beach opportunities in my life lately, but I might have to try this salad regardless.
elenarego says
I think the salad won't mind if you have it anyway! 🙂
Joy says
I love a great salad. I liked how you used mozzarella and avocados.
elenarego says
Joy, the textures are similar but the combined flavors add a butteriness to the salad that is just divine! Oh! And also with the butter leaf lettuce… All of it was soft and refreshing.
Melange a Trois says
A whole summer in Maui… I'm so jealous. We just got back from Kauai and I wanted to pack up and move there. This salad looks perfect for the summer.
lisa says
ooh i would love the warmth of some sun ray on me today. it's raining in NYC….
Sound like you had a lovely and with a great tasty salad..i love mozzarella and avocado together, creamy with some freshness
elenarego says
Lisa, I've also added avocado to my caprese sandwiches when I was eating bread. Haven't tried it with gluten free bread yet, but will this summer. Basil, olive oil, a thick slice of fresh mozzarella, slice of tomato and a couple of slivers of avocado? *swoons*
kathy says
it's such a wonderful contrast of textures and flavors.i love mozzarella and avocado.
Dawn says
that dressing sounds delicious! perfect for warmer weather. we'll have to give it a try soon!
Magic of Spice says
That is a beautiful salad! Love the cumin addition to the dressing. We are also at the beach, I need to use you as my inspiration:)
Love your site!!!
Magic of Spice
Of The Ardent Epicure
elenarego says
Thanks for stopping by!
Kristi Rimkus says
Lovely salad and interesting dressing ingredients. Love the addition of smoky cumin.
Lorraine McNeair says
Please, what is a balsamic reduction. I assume it is a strong balsamic vinegar, very concentrated. As far as I know, not available in Australia.
Elena Rego says
Lorraine,
A balsamic reduction is when you take balsamic vinegar and simmer it down until its reduced to a syrup. It sweetens the taste and is crazy delicious! I’ll have to do a whole post on this, as its a pantry must have for me.
Mary says
Wow, I agree, great post! Looking forward to checking out more.
Kara says
It's such a wonderful contrast of textures and flavours. I'm sure it's even tastier after a couple of hours of lying in the sunshine, too. good luck.
Samantha says
I'm so jealous. We just got back from Kauai and I wanted to pack up and move there. This salad looks perfect for the summer. hope that it will be delicious.
Michelle says
I assume it is a strong balsamic vinegar, very concentrated. thanx for the info.
elenarego says
It is. You take balsamic vinegar and simmer it down until its reduced by half. What is left is a thicker syrup that is more intense and sweet. It keeps for quite a while and it takes the amazing taste of Balsamic to a whole other level.
molly says
This is looking sooooo delicious. I'd love to try this at home. thanks dude.
Kristen says
I think It's such a wonderful contrast of textures and flavours. I'm sure it's even tastier after a couple of hours of lying in the sunshine, too. looking forward.
Victoria says
I wanted to pack up and move there. This salad looks perfect for the summer. hope that it will be delicious.
Diane says
Yummy, This salad looks perfect for the summer., i must try this, thanx for posting.
Jane says
Wow, it's such a wonderful contrast of textures and flavours. I'm sure it's even tastier after a couple of hours of lying in the sunshine, too. thanx for posting.
Katie says
This is good for breakfast, seems so very nutritious and delicious! Thanks for the share!
Kayla says
I just got back from Kauai and I wanted to pack up and move there. This salad looks perfect for the summer. thanx for the share.
jillian says
That good food for everybody so delicious and healthy thanks for sharing these king of food it help our healthier diet.
Jennifer says
I usually just make the marinated part plus the tomatoes, and don't serve it on the bed of lettuce. It's fabulous.
Brittany says
A nice change of pace from our regular dinner salad. I would definitely recommend giving this one a try!
Becky says
A nice change of pace from our regular dinner salad. I just marinated the veggies in the dressing and placed them on organic baby romaine. Didn't have enough fresh red peppers so I used the jarred roasted red peppers.
Allison Clark says
I will use this as my inspiration when we go the beach. That is a beautiful salad! Love the cumin addition to the dressing.
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