Salads without the same-old same-old

By J.M. Hirsch
Associated Press

CONCORD, N.H. — On too many dinner tables, the salad is an afterthought, a random toss of the same old ingredients that is there because we feel we ought to eat something fresh and green.

Strawberry salad with poppy-seed dressing is a simple combination of romaine lettuce, strawberry slices and almond slivers — but dinner guests love it. Associated Press

As so often is the case, however, simplicity is best. An example is an elegant yet rustic heap of mesclun greens drizzled with extra-virgin olive oil, salt and balsamic vinegar. The construction may be simple, but the tastes are bold and complex. (Ed. note: In Hawai'i, try the pre-packaged mixes from Lone Palm on the Big Island; they're at Safeway, Foodland and other stores.)

That same basic salad also can be dressed up to suit different themes. Asian on the menu? Substitute toasted sesame oil and seasoned rice vinegar, then sprinkle with sesame seeds.

In fall, add thin slices of apples or pears. For more oomph, toss the greens with roasted whole garlic cloves and drizzle with cider vinegar and toasted hazelnut oil.

For a more substantial yet equally simple salad, make a tomato and mozzarella platter. Alternate slices of Roma tomatoes with water-packed mozzarella. Top with basil leaves, salt, freshly ground black pepper and extra-virgin olive oil. (For this, you need the most flavorful tomatoes you can get. Don't bother to do this salad unless really ripe tomatoes or heirloom tomatoes are available.)

For a Greek version of the same dish, substitute crumbled feta cheese for the mozzarella and replace the basil with fresh thyme and pitted Kalamata olives.

Pickles are another way to liven up a salad. Toss diced bread-and-butter pickles (some of the new zesty varieties are particularly good) with chopped romaine lettuce hearts and corn kernels. Drizzle with a 1-to-2 blend of cider vinegar and mayonnaise.

For another fantastic dinner salad, try a strawberry salad with poppy-seed dressing. This simple salad of romaine, strawberry slices and almond slivers from Cooking Light magazine has received many rave reviews from our dinner guests.

Or for something a little different, try mango-cucumber salad from Byron Ayanoglu's "125 Best Vegetarian Recipes" (Robert Rose, 2004, $18.95). This Thai dish is sweet, sour and crunchy.

Strawberry Salad with Poppy-seed Dressing

• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 3 tablespoons light mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fat-free milk
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 10-ounce bag romaine lettuce, roughly chopped
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 2 tablespoons toasted slivered almonds

Combine the sugar, mayonnaise, milk, poppy seeds and vinegar in a small bowl and whisk well.

Place the lettuce in a large bowl. Add the strawberries and almonds and toss lightly. Divide among individual serving plates and drizzle each with about 1 tablespoon dressing.

Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition analysis not available.

Mango-Cucumber Salad

• 8-inch section English cucumber, not peeled, cut lengthwise into quarters and thinly sliced
• 1 green mango, peeled and cut into julienne strips
• 1/4 cup slivered red onion
• 3 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into thin strips
• 1 jalapeno pepper, finely chopped (with or without seeds, depending on heat tolerance)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 tablespoons white vinegar
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Salt, to taste

Place the cucumber and mango in a large bowl. Add the red onions, green onions, half of the cilantro, red pepper and jalapeno. Toss until well mixed.

In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, vinegar, oil and sugar until emulsified. Season to taste with salt. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish with remaining cilantro.

Makes 4 to 6 servings.

Nutrition information per serving: 78 cal., 1.8 g pro., 11.5 g carbo., 3.3 g fat, 2 mg chol., 1.8 g fiber, 45 mg sodium.