Ree's, Quick Italian Salad

 

Who loves Olive Garden salad?? Or any fab Italian salad for that matter? ME! ME!

This recipe was adapted from Ree Drummond also known as Pioneer Woman, she's amazing!

Click the link to view her recipe: Ree's Italian Salad

I made this salad for a family BBQ and it was a total hit! I'm sharing it because some of you may not be familiar with Pioneer Woman & if you are yay!! You'll love this side.

 

I followed the dressing recipe to a T! It's so yummy, why mess it up!

Dressing:

1/2 cup olive oil

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup grated Parmesan (pre-grated in a pack from the store)

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

1 tablespoon sugar

1 tablespoon vinegar

2 teaspoons black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 clove garlic, pressed

Juice of 1 lemon

 

In a blender add the olive oil, mayonnaise, Parmesan, parsley, sugar, vinegar, black pepper, salt, red pepper flakes, garlic and lemon juice and blend until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

 

You can also use a good store bought Italian dressing,

but if you have these ingredients on hand, try it!

 

For the salad I used the following, 

2  romaine hearts (chopped)

1/2 head iceberg lettuce (chopped)

6 whole pepperoncini

1/2 cup whole black olives (sliced in half)

1/2 cup whole red cherry tomatoes

1/2 small red onion (sliced into thin cirlces)

1/3 cup grated Parmesan or more

 

Wash your veggies and dry. In a large bowl add the lettuce combination and mix together, top with the remaining veggies, I assembled them on top neatly. Looks pretty! 



 

I set the dressing in a bowl near by, as well as extra parmesan cheese.

 

Enjoy!!



Roasted Broccoli

 

Roasted broccoli takes on a whole new flavor, it's really yummy

and easy especially if you're already using the oven. 

Cut large broccoli florets, wash and dry! Don't skimp on the drying stage, it will pay off.

 

 Preheat oven at 400.

 

 

Place broccoli florets in a baking dish, season with salt & pepper.

 (I snuck in small chunks of butter, 1Tb cut).. don't tell my husband.

 

Bake for 15-20 mins & done!!

 

 

Enjoy!!

Roasted Asparagus with a Sprinkle of Parmesan cheese

I love asparagus!! Try this recipe with or without the Parmesan cheese. 

This is always a great side dish.

Preheat your oven at 400.

Wash the asparagus & drain. Cut off about an 1 inch or so from the bottom. Some say snap of the bottoms & that's how much you discard, I never listen. Opps! Arrange your stems in a flat baking dish. Sprinkle with extra Virgin oil olive, bit of salt/ pepper & some Parmesan cheese. (A light sprinkle, just for flavor)

Make sure your oven is heated through. The secret for perfectly roasted asparagus (crispy stems that don't bend) is a well heated oven.

Place inside your oven, top rack for 10 mins. Take out & serve!

ENJOY!!