You can fill more than Half Your Plate and create your own salad with this recipe. Chefs know that the art and craft of filling a salad bowl is one of the greatest expressions of the culinary arts. Home cooks, like MP Wayne Easter, love how easy it is to cram the salad bowl with healthy flavors. Everyone enjoys emptying the bowl. You’ll love knowing you have plenty of delicious dressing leftover for the next salad and nothing beats impressing yourself in your own kitchen!

Yield: Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

For the salad greens

6 to 8 ounces of any fresh spring mix, baby spinach and a little Arugula

 

For the garnishes

A few handfuls of fresh herb mint leaves

Handfuls of raspberries, blueberries and blackberries

 

For toppings

A cup of toasted sunflower seeds

 

For the dressing

½ cup or so of your very best canola oil

¼ cup or so of your favorite red vinaigrette

¼ cup of maple syrup

A heaping tablespoon (18mL) of Grey Poupon Mustard

 

Procedure

 

To craft your own house salad, fill a festive salad bowl with handfuls of fresh, tangy greens for everyone. Choose from one or more of your favorite types and feel free to create your own blend.

For lots of color and crunch, garnish your salad with a few of your favorite fruits and vegetables.

Indulge and enjoy crafting your own Canadian Vinaigrette. It’s just as easy to make a lot as a little, so feel free to double, even triple the recipe. Fill a large jar and have enough for this salad and the next few too. You can trust that the unique blinding properties of mustard will magically emulsify the works into a smooth dressing.

Shake, shake, shake until smooth, then pour a few spoonsful of your homemade Canadian Vinaigrette onto the salad, just enough to lightly coat the works. (You’ll have lots of leftover dressing) Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Quickly and gently toss the greens and garnishes together with the dressing until the salad is evenly dressed.

Serve and share with your choice of crunchy toppings or some toasted sunflower seeds.

Kitchen Tip

The creative possible in your salad bowl are endless. Feel free to experiment with each of the components. Over time you’ll find and repeat your favorites. There are many different baby greens available and just about any vegetable can be prepped into a salad. Check your bulk section for inspired textural toss-ins.