The strawberry comes out of the shortcake and onto your next salad.

As Summer approaches, fresh salads are looking a lot more appetizing. For me, the only way salads don’t get old fast, is if I have a steady arsenal of dressings at my disposal. With strawberries coming into season, what better time to make a homemade version of strawberry balsamic vinaigrette?

For this vinaigrette, I roast the veggies to optimize their flavor before mixing them with the rest of the ingredients. The sweet and savory elements of this dressing work perfectly together, so it’s really no wonder why mass marketing has caught on and packaged it. Sure you could easily snatch this off any grocery store shelf, but nothing beats homemade (especially when it’s this easy to make).

Strawberries pack more than just taste. They are rich in antioxidants, fight against inflammatory disorders, prevent cancer, promote healthy eyes, contain 136% of the RDA of vitamin C in just one cup, and contribute to bone health. Strawberries are also an excellent source of magnesium, which helps to reduce cardiovascular disease.

Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette

Makes 1.5 cups

Ingredients:

• 2 cups strawberries
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp mustard
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Directions:

Stem 2 cups of strawberries and slice each in half.

Place on a baking sheet and pop into the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 minutes, or until the strawberries caramelize and soften.

Allow the strawberries to cool down. When they reach room temperature, combine them in a food processor with the remaining ingredients.

Blend until smooth. Chill before serving.

It will be hard to refrain from drinking this like a smoothie.

Bon Appetit!

Aylin Erman currently resides in Istanbul and is creator of plant-based recipe website GlowKitchen.

The post Recipe: Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette appeared first on EcoSalon.

Image: She Knows

We’ve become peach combers in my house, this summer, sharing slices of the sensuous summer fruit during movies or games instead of the usual cookies and candy. The kids are fighting over fruit? You got the last slice! No, you did! Hey, how did we go right?

Fresh peaches just smell like summer, and I have vivid memories of my parents placing a slice into each glass of red wine they served at their Italian dinner parties during those warm August nights in L.A.

While the round fuzzy fruit is  delicious in the organic, pure form, you can also add them to a variety of tantalizing recipes for family and guests. Here is a bushel-full to get you into the grove!

Healthy Oat Peach Muffins are a great choice for breakfast or as a snack with quick oats, oat bran, walnuts and organic cream cheese folded into the mix. I’m always sifting through muffin recipes to make with my daughters, and this one, from She Knows, is a winner. A few fair-trade, dark chocolate chips can also be a welcomed addition.

Peach Sabayon with Balsamic peaches has received rave reviews from the readers of Epicurious. Sabayon is the French name for Zabaglione, an Italian custard dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, a sweet wine and sometimes cream, mascarpone, or whole eggs. The easy-to-follow recipe calls for balsamic vinegar, dry white wine and peach brandy to add that zing to the organic peaches and egg yolks. Whip up a batch for your next al fresco gathering.

Image: Romulo Yanes

Summer Peach Pie a la mode is a huge seasonal favorite when found on summer restaurant menus. You can make your own with this fruity recipe from Bon Appetit which calls for unbleached flour (I switch it with oat) and ground cardamom for aromatic punch.

Image: Bon Appetit

Peachy Summer Smoothies are easy to blend and serve at parties (spike to taste) or leave them as virgin pick-me-ups. Two recipes from The Nibble: Raspberry Peach Lemonade Smoothie and Mango Peach Smoothie are both healthy, vitamin and protein-enriched tropical delights. I say the peachy part is what makes them so keen!

Image: The Nibble

Peach Chutney is an excellent condiment to use sparingly for spicing a meal. I’ve heard chutney called “the perfect dance partner for food” and this recipe from All Recipes merited five gold stars from the foodies who followed it. Another tasty recipe for this low-fat relish can be plucked at Taste of Home.

The post Ecosalon Recipes: Peachy-Green Summer Delights appeared first on EcoSalon.