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    Home / Recipes / Course / Salad

    3 Jun 7, 2011 Photo  |   Jump to Recipe

    Summer Salad with Vanilla Vinaigrette

    Summer Salad with Vanilla Vinaigrette

    This post may contain affiliate links.

    Summer is almost here and the markets are just teeming with gorgeous produce.  I can hardly resist smiling at the mounds of vibrant, colorful vegetables.  Upon spotting a display of striped zucchini and multicolored carrots, thoughts of a fresh, summer salad immediately started running through my mind.  This Summer Salad with Vanilla Vinaigrette features shaved zucchini and carrot atop crisp greens dressed in extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice and pure vanilla extract.  The vinaigrette is light and bright with just a hint of vanilla flavor.  Completely unique and utterly addicting.  I actually never imagined such a healthy salad (as in, no bacon or ranch or blue cheese, etc.) could be so good.  After photographing the plate above, I took one bite and could not stop eating.  Continue reading for the recipe.

    Zucchinis and Carrots

    Salad Greens

    Summer Salad with Vanilla Vinaigrette

    Summer Salad with Vanilla Vinaigrette

    by Brandon Matzek
    Adapted from Around My French Table.
    No ratings yet
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Servings 6 servings

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 bunch young carrots
    • 2 zucchini or other summer squash
    • 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
    • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
    • 3/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • Fleur de sel or kosher salt
    • Freshly ground black pepper
    • 6 handfuls of salad greens

    Instructions
     

    • Wash and trim the carrots and zucchini. Using a mandolin or sharp knife, carefully slice carrots and zucchini into thin ribbons.
    • In a small bowl or jar, combine extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, vanilla, a few pinches of fleur de sel and several turns of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk or shake to combine.
    • To plate, place a handful of greens on a small, chilled salad plate. Top with artfully arranged carrot and zucchini ribbons (this is the fun part). Finish with a drizzle of vanilla vinaigrette. Season with additional fleur de sel and pepper if desired.
    Tried this recipe?Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can check it out!
    3
    Brandon and Federico
    Brandon

    I’m Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Did you make a recipe? Tag @brandiego on Instagram so I can see the how it went!

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    Categories: Photo Tags: black pepper, carrot, fleur de sel, lemon, olive oil, salad greens, vanilla, zucchini

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Averie says

      June 7, 2011 at 7:34 pm

      Vanilla Vinaigrette sounds lovely and i adore vanilla ANYTHING!the pics are gorgeous!  Simple, overhead, dark contrast + bright and salad colors also with the dark leaves…just perfect!

      Reply
      • Brandon @ Kitchen Konfidence says

        June 8, 2011 at 1:50 pm

        Thanks Averie!  I really liked how this one came out as well 🙂

        Reply
    2. Anonymous says

      June 8, 2011 at 12:36 pm

      This salad is beautiful. Great picture and it sounds so refreshing!

      Reply
    3. Lori Lynn says

      June 8, 2011 at 2:45 pm

      Hi Brandon – your salad looks psychedelic! So vibrant it seems like I can taste it from here!
      Love the dressing, I made one last February with vanilla bean and lime. It was a big hit too. Vanilla in a vinaigrette is a winning combination. YAY for summer salads!
      LL

      Reply
    4. Eliots says

      June 8, 2011 at 4:08 pm

      Great pic.  I am getting fresh carrots and baby zucchini now so I will have to try this.  I am intrigued about the flavors!  Thanks.

      Reply
    5. Brian @ A Thought For Food says

      June 8, 2011 at 4:15 pm

      Those carrots are stunning… I can just imagine how wonderfully sweet they are.  Beautiful salad!

      Reply
    6. [email protected] says

      June 8, 2011 at 6:17 pm

      What a beautiful salad!! The photos are to die for..as always. :))

      Reply
    7. Gen says

      June 9, 2011 at 1:40 pm

      Yum! I would never have thought of putting vanilla extract into a dressing, but it sounds amazing!

      Reply
    8. Karla H says

      June 10, 2011 at 11:15 pm

      I agree–vanilla extract in a vinaigrette sounds delightful!  I just bookmarked this to try it!!!

      Reply
    9. Lauren at Keep It Sweet says

      June 11, 2011 at 12:21 am

      I’ve never thought to add vanilla to a dressing, such a great idea!

      Reply
    10. Malli says

      June 13, 2011 at 5:36 pm

      Simply lovely and fresh salad… great photos!!

      Reply
    11. Nancy Buchanan says

      June 13, 2011 at 8:02 pm

      I love that cookbook!! I haven’t tried this dressing yet but it’s certainly moved up on my “to make list”!
      Brandon – your photos are gorgeous!!!!

      Reply
    12. Platanosmangoes says

      June 24, 2011 at 3:40 pm

      I cannot wait to make thiw dressing….I am so happy I am following your blog…great posts.

      Reply
    13. Fatpiginthemarket says

      August 3, 2011 at 6:02 pm

      Vanilla in a vinaigrette got my attention. I’m trying out your recipe pronto! Great photos.

      Reply

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    Brandon and Federico

    I'm Brandon: food explorer, recipe curator, cocktail shaker, dessert lover. Kitchen Konfidence is how I document my time spent in my favorite space, the kitchen. Read More…


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