Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Colorado Pine Nut Salad

This recipe is adapted from the Junior League of Colorado Cookbook entitled Creme de Colorado.  It is a long-time family favorite.  The dressing is superb, so light and works perfectly with the simple ingredients.  This calls for Pine Nuts, which are horribly expensive these days.  I use them for a lot of different recipes, so I buy mine at Costco and keep them in the freezer to retain their freshness.  Be careful toasting them for this recipe... they can burn quickly!

Pine Nut Salad
Serves 6

1/3 cup pine nuts, carefully toasted golden brown
2 large cloves garlic, smashed with 1 tsp salt
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 TBS white wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil, good quality
1 large head Romaine lettuce, torn into bite sized pieces
Freshly ground pepper
1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Smash garlic cloves in the bottom of a small bowl with a fork.  Add salt and smash until the cloves form a paste.  Add the mustard and vinegar.  Slowly drizzle in olive oil and whisk to emulsify.

In a large bowl, tear Romain pieces, add toasted pine nuts and black pepper.  Add salad dressing and toss thoroughly.  Add cheese and toss lightly.  Serve right away.

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