Tuesday, July 20, 2010

A Delicious Salad, a Crispy Crunch, and a Refreshing Dressing


Summer is all about cool and crisp and fresh, and salads epitomize those better than anything. I won't spend much time here on this blog talking about salads, because they're generally so simple to throw together that having a recipe for them is redundant. This one is worth sharing, because it makes my mouth happy. It has many flavors involved, including a light and healthy, refreshing dressing. Here's how I made it:

For the salad, I used butter lettuce, diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, dried cranberries, pecan pieces, and dressing. I had baby carrots on the side because they taste so good dipped in the fruity dressing.

The Dressing:

Combine in a container with lid:
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup lime juice
  • 1/4 cup orange juice
  • 1/2 cup apple cidar vinegar
  • 1 1/2 cups extra virgin olive oil
Seal tightly and shake to emulsify. Drizzle over salad. Store extra dressing tightly sealed in the refrigerator. It's light, fruity, and full of good-for-you stuff.

Now, for a mid-day meal, I need more than just salad, even if it includes fruit and nuts. That's where these cheese straws come in. Cheese straws are commonly served in the south. If you've never had them before, I encourage you to try them. They taste a lot like CheezIts, only less salty and more wholesome.

Cheese Straws

What You Need:
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or extra sharp is best)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 Tbsp salted butter, cut into cubes
  • 1 Tbsp dry mustard
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 4 tsp milk
How it's Done:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and get out a couple baking sheets.
  2. Combine cheese, flour, butter, mustard, and pepper in the bowl of your food processor. Pulse until it resembles bread crumbs.
  3. Turn the food processor on and drizzle in the milk, processing until the dough forms a ball.
  4. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to 1/8" thickness.
  5. Using your pizza cutter, cut into 1" wide strips. Place strips on baking sheets (nearly touching is fine, as they won't exand outward much at all) and bake for 15 minutes.
  6. Let your cheese straws cool completely on their baking sheets before moving them. They'll crisp up nicely sitting there.
  7. Store tightly covered at room temperature. Cheese straws are even better on days two and three.
This post linked to Tempt my Tummy Tuesdays and

Tuesday Tag-Along

16 comments:

Kimberly said...

Hi! I am a new follower and I can't wait to learn fabulous recipes from you!
http://dearheartdesigns.blogspot.com

Yenta Mary said...

I absolutely ADORE citrusy dressings! That sounds so perfect!!! Is it lunchtime yet???

StephenC said...

I've copied your dressing recipe into my recipe doc. Especially with all the greens in our garden, I'm always up for a new one.

PACountryMouse said...

Found you on Tag Along Tuesday! The salad & bread sticks look AWESOME! I can't wait to try the homemade dressing. Hope you can stop by & visit me too! http://followingherfootsteps.blogspot.com/

Kari @ Mommy's Fabulous Finds said...

Hi, I am a new follower from Tag Along Tuesday. I look forward to reading your posts.

Please visit my blog, I post the newest coupons, freebies, deals, product reviews & giveaways.

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Thanks, Shining2Save

Adventures in Domestic Cooking said...

Yummy, looks very good!

Your blog is just lovely, really enjoy it.

Emily said...

YUMMY! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I can't wait to browse more of your recipes!

Kelley said...

Hello! I am a new Tuesday Tag-Along follower and I'm looking forward to reading your posts!
~Kelley
http://labellabasketswithkelle.blogspot.com/
http://inkelleyskitchen.blogspot.com/

Amy Walker said...

I love cheese straws...gonna have to try this. We need more snacks around here but I want them to be homemade!!! :)

Pam said...

This is a great dressing. Love those salads especially this time of year. I'm new here and will be back to see what's cooking for sure!

Out of the Box into the Kitchen said...

those cheese straws sound awesome!

Andrea the Kitchen Witch said...

Great dressing recipe Michelle! The cheese straws are a lot like my homemade cheese crackers, too. Delicious and way better for you :)

Carrie said...

Oh that is so yummy! Im making it tonight!

Anonymous said...

I think the dressing is great and I love the cheese sticks, but I'd add instead of the carrots maybe 3 of the little red potatos - but great recipe. Thanks for sharing this.

Haupi

Queen of the House said...

Oh my goodness! I NEED to try making the cheese straws! Thanks for the recipe! :)

Unknown said...

Citrus based dressing are so light and summery.. I love them! And cheese straws...yes, I'll take at least 6 please!!!

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