-- Tasty's -- the Power of Flower7 Salad
--Tasty-- and I collaborated on this colorful spring/summer salad today! There are as many variations of the salad as there are vegetables, fruits and herbs! Use a light vinaigrette of your choice to complete the recipe. Read *Note below in the directions. --Tasty Dish-- would like to dedicate this recipe to flower7.
Total time
20 min
Servings
4
Calories
28.2
Category
Vegetable
The Power of Flower7 Salad is a whimsical, garden-inspired vegan platter designed to brighten any spring or summer table. This artistic dish suits home cooks who enjoy playful plating and want to showcase vibrant, crisp produce in a conversation-starting format.
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings
- 1 green onions
- 2 -3 bell peppers
- 8 black olives
- 2 chive blossoms
- 4 strawberries
- 2 -3 green peas
- 1/2 mint leaf
Method
*Note: see my posted photo above for a guideline on how to arrange the vegetables, fruit and herbs on the platter. Of course, how you arrange the produce and what produce you choose, is left to creative license.
Place the baby spinach or mixed greens towards the bottom of a platter.
Set the green onions on the platter-these are your "flower stalks".
Place the slices of bell pepper in a "flower" pattern on the green onion stems.
Place the strawberry slices (the "petals") between slices of bell pepper "petals". (I would have added more strawberries but I ran out.).
Arrange each black olive half in the middle of the flower and garnish each olive with a chive blossom.
Put the green peas on top of the spinach or mixed greens.
Place mint leaves around the edges of the platter.
Serve salad with the vinaigrette.
'Be like the flower, turn your face to the sun'. Kahlil Gibran.
Cook's notes
- Use a mandoline to slice your bell peppers into uniform, thin petals to ensure the floral pattern lies flat and looks symmetrical.
- Pat your baby spinach or mixed greens completely dry before arranging; wet leaves will cause the bell pepper 'petals' to slide off the platter.
- Chive blossoms provide a delicate onion flavor, so wait to garnish with them until the very last second to keep the petals perky and fresh.
- For the cleanest look, slice your strawberries into vertical discs rather than quarters to maintain the perfect petal shape against the peppers.
Easy swaps
- Instead of green peas, use snap peasSnap peas add a refreshing crunch and hold their shape better when used to define the stem lines.
- Instead of baby spinach, use arugulaThe peppery bite of arugula provides a sophisticated contrast to the sweetness of the strawberry 'petals.'
- Instead of black olives, use capersIf you dislike olives, use large non-pareil capers for a burst of briny flavor in the center of your flowers.
- Instead of bell peppers, use radishesThinly sliced radishes offer a similar floral geometry and a vibrant pop of color against the green onion stalks.
- Instead of mint leaf, use basilFresh basil provides a more traditional savory aroma that pairs beautifully with the bell peppers and olives.
Frequently asked
Can I prep the Power of Flower7 Salad in advance?
While you can wash and slice the peppers, onions, and strawberries ahead of time, we recommend assembling the salad on the platter immediately before serving to keep the produce crisp.
Do I have to use chive blossoms?
Chive blossoms add a lovely edible floral element, but if you cannot find them, you can swap them for fresh dill fronds or additional mint leaves to provide texture.
Is this salad meant to be tossed?
This recipe is designed as an artistic platter; guests can serve themselves by picking up the individual 'flowers' or using tongs to scoop a mix of greens and veggies.
What dressing pairs best with this salad?
A light balsamic vinaigrette or a simple lemon-olive oil drizzle works best, as it won't overpower the delicate flavors of the bell peppers and berries.
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