> Salads & Side Dishes

Green Bean, Tomato, and Potato Salad with Almond and Basil Pesto
Pesto is a classic sauce made with fresh basil leaves, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and grated cheese, usually Parmesan. "It is traditionally the sauce for a pasta dish that also includes green beans and potatoes, but here the pasta has been left out and the pesto is instead served over a salad of warm cubed potatoes and green beans. In another departure from tradition, dry-roasted almonds are used in place of the pine nuts."

Waldorf Salad with Truffles and Candied Walnuts
You've probably had some version of a Waldorf salad at some time in your life: apples, mayonnaise, walnuts, etc. At today's Waldorf=Astoria hotel in New York City this is one of the versions currently being served in their restaurants. Created by Executive Chef John Doherty, this recipe calls for black truffles, candied walnuts, and celeriac for a truly modern taste.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Chorizo
Here's a wonderful little side dish big on flavor. The strong, spicy flavors of chorizo blend nicely with the strong flavor of roasted brussel sprouts. Unforgettable. [p] Reprinted with permission from Small Plates, Perfect Wines: Creating Little Dishes with Big Flavors by Lori Lyn Narlock (Andrews McMeel 2007).

Turkey Pesto Salad
"Turkey has a heartier flavor than chicken and is complemented by the basil pesto in the mayonnaise dressing. To save preparation time, substitute prepared purchased pesto for homemade."

Fried Green Tomato Salad
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Whole Cranberry Relish with Walnuts Recipe
Here is a nice traditional cranberry relish that is delicious and simple to make. Much better than the canned variety. Cranberry relish will last up to 2 months in your fridge, so keep some on hand for topping crackers with cheddar or a turkey sandwich.

Cranberry-Ginger Relish Recipe
Here's a cranberry relish with a twist, crystallized ginger. The ginger gives a nice zing to cranberries and also adds an interesting textural difference. This cranberry-ginger relish makes a great side dish for turkey or pork, goes well with a nice cheddar, and also makes a wonderful condiment for a turkey sandwich or burger.

Watermelon, Basil, & Mozzarella Salad with Balsamic Syrup
Here is a delightfully refreshing salad that combines watermelon with fresh mozzarella. Basil adds an herby spiciness, while sweet balsamic syrup brings out the best flavors of both the watermelon and the mozzarella.

Watermelon & Prosciutto Salad with Honey Vinaigrette
Here is a wonderfully simple salad that takes only minutes to make. Both sweet and salty, it makes a great starter for a dinner party.

Pomegranate Glazed Quail Salad with Maple Cider Vinaigrette and Grille
This salad makes a nice light lunch. The sweet and savory quail matches well with fruit. The tanginess of the cheese adds a wonderful contrast. If you don't have a grill available, the broiler of your oven works just fine.

Fall Fruit Salad with Apples, Pears, and Cranberries
Fall brings us a bounty of delicious fruits. Apples, pears, and cranberries make a wonderful combination. Both tart and sweet, this salad make a great salad to start a meal or can be used as a side dish to accompany chicken or pork.

Blackened Sweet Corn with Chanterelles and Bacon
Corn, mushrooms, and bacon are a perfect combination in this savory recipe. This side matches well with rare beef dishes or grilled pork.

Baby Spinach Salad with Peaches and Hazelnut Vinaigrette
Peaches and figs match well in this recipe for spinach salad that brings out their sweetness.

Blue Cheese Salad with Bacon and Carmelized Onions
This rich pasta salad has a bite that is both savory and sweet. It matches very well with beef dishes.

Grilled Asparagus and Prosciutto Salad
Asparagus and prosciutto are a classic combination that are showcased well in this dish. The addition of mushrooms and asiago cheese give it a very earthy yet bright flavor.

Tuna Niçoise
Tuna Niçoise is more of a meal than a salad. Poached tuna and lots of vegetables give this dish a wonderful balance of flavors. The individual ingredients in this recipe are simple to make, but when put together on a plate look very sophisticated.