"Celebrate Summer" Salad!

 

Scoop up some fresh basil, zucchini, yellow squash, and grape tomatoes for the weekend so you can make my awesome salad with fresh basil vinaigrette! It's hearty, incredibly satisfying and you can partner it with any protein (meat, fish, poultry) from the oven or grill. The tomatoes pop in your mouth and the zucchini and yellow squash add a sweet and delicious crunch. For the base of greens, buy whatever looks fresh at the grocery store or farmer’s market. It may be any blend of arugula, Romaine, mustard greens, frisee, and/or baby lettuce.

Zucchini, Yellow Squash and Grape Tomato Salad with Basil Vinaigrette

 

1 cup tightly packed fresh basil leaves

1/3 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 medium zucchini, quartered lengthwise and chopped into 1-inch pieces

1 medium yellow squash, quartered lengthwise and chopped into 1-inch pieces

1 cup grape tomatoes

4 cups fresh “spring mix” greens

 In a blender, combine the basil, broth, vinegar, oil, mustard, and pepper. Puree until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl and add the zucchini, yellow squash and tomatoes. Toss to coat vegetables with the vinaigrette. Arrange the greens on a serving platter. Spoon zucchini mixture over the greens and serve.  
 Serves 4

Photo: FreeDigitalPhotos.net, Bill Longshaw