Tante Hélène's Vinaigrette and Salad

My husband's aunt (tante in French), Hélène, makes a wonderful salad that is great with anything from the BBQ. It could be used pretty much anytime but I always associate it with spring/summer and BBQ. She shared her recipe with us after one of our visits to their farm so that we could enjoy it at home! And now, I'm sharing it with you. It has a tang which of course you could lessen by reducing the amount of lemon juice you use, but to be honest, it's perfect with a mixed salad.

Tante Hélène's vinaigrette
source: Hélène B.

Ingredients

1-2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp dijon mustard

1/3 cup olive oil (I use the light version)

1/3 cup lemon juice, fresh

2-3 tbsp olive juice (from a jar of stuffed manzanilla olives)

freshly ground black pepper and dried parsley to taste

Whisk together and allow to sit while you prepare your salad to ensure the flavors blend. She actually uses an old mason jar or other jar that she has laying around (an old olive jar) and just puts it all in and shakes it, which is easy and convenient. 

For the salad, you can make it your own by adding or removing anything you like. It's really how you want it!
romaine lettuce

spinach

green onions, chopped or minced depending on your preference

broccoli, bite size

cauliflower, bite size

red cabbage, shredded
red and green peppers, diced
cucumbers, diced
shredded cheese
manzanilla olives, chopped
shredded carrot
insert your favorite item here!


Mix up, serve and enjoy!!

Happy cooking!