Before I get to this salad- can anyone in the freezing cold mid-west/east coast help me out with a logistics question? How do you dress nicely in that kind of weather!? Friday I am heading to Chicago which will reach wopping highs in the 30’s (plus that wind!!!) I know what I would normally wear, but I feel like I will die of hypothermia there if I am not dressed appropriately. Can anyone help with how you manage to dress professionally and not turn purple?
I am on the verge of just packing my long underwear and a ski coat, but that’s probably not going to fly…
OK, so in contrast, it is so bright and beautiful and sunny in Seattle right now and I am so inspired to be eating fresh and healthy food. This is my favorite salad right now. It is so beautiful and totally the easiest thing in the world.
Just crunchy fresh romaine hearts, creamy, rich avocados, crispy pepitas, savory shallots and then this tangy, sweet and smoky vinaigrette make for an incredible salad. So you can eat it alongside anything or do what I have been doing lately – adding some smoked trout or grilled steak to make it a full meal. SO good guys- you’ve gotta try it.
Recipe: Smoky Romaine and Avocado Salad
Ingredients
- 1 head Romaine Hearts
- 2 avocados
- 1 shallot, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons roasted pepitas
- Smoky Vinaigrette:
- 1 clove garlic
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon agave
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- kosher salt
Instructions
- On a platter arrange the romaine hearts.
- For the avocados, peel them, discard the pits and quarter them. Arrange the avocados on the lettuce and sprinkle the salad with the shallots and the pepitas.
- Whisk the Smoky Vinaigrette together in a small bowl and then drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad. Serve immediately.
Preparation time: 10 minute(s)
Number of servings (yield): 2
This is so stunning and the flavors so perfect! Pinned! I want to reach through the screen and devour it!
is there a recipe for the dressing?
Yes Tracy! ingredients are listed under the header of Smoky Vinaigrette.
Pro weather tips from Minneapolis – wear your long underwear and ski coat to and from events (boots too), then change into your nice things once you are at the event, if that’s an option.
thank you Beth!!
Living in the northeast, I generally wear either nice slacks or a skirt with tights, a fitted sweater/turtleneck or button-down shirt with either a blazer or structured sweater. If need be, I tuck my pants inside my riding boots. I’ve been putting Stabilicers on my boots so that I don’t slip. My Canada Goose coat is the finish (and the best coat ever!).
Hope this helps
lol! THANK YOU DANA!!!!
My winter uniform is this: wool slacks, cashmere turtleneck, silk scarf, and my Max Mara camel hair swing coat. If it’s dry outside, I just wear my Cole Haan ballet flats with trouser socks (never heels) or if it’s messy my Mephisto clogs and wool socks. People will forgive the clogs and wool socks if its snowy.
If I add a pair of nice earrings, a nice necklace, fancy leather gloves and a snazzy tote, I’m all set for a day of business and then dinner out!
PS – I would add a dash of chipotle pepper to the vinaigrette to give it some smoky heat!
Very Helpful Kelley! I just have to see if I cam squeeze into my wool slacks!! Otherwise I gotta get some wool tights tomorrow!
Love the smoky vinaigrette! This looks so wonderful!
thank you Laura!
I actually live in Chicago, so I like to think I can give good advice on dressing for this weather! Here is my usual routine:
*If I’m wearing a skirt, I pair it with nice, heavy-knit tights. If I’m wearing pants, and they are light weight or it is extra cold, I wear my Uniqlo Heattech leggings.
*On top, I layer it up. If I need extra warmth, I start with a insulating, synthetic camisole. On top, I often wear a button up under a sweater or one of my warm Heattech t-shirts. If I really want to wear something light and flowy without a lot of layering, then I make sure I have a cozy scarf or shawl. And maybe a cardigan.
*To keep my feet warm, I own a bunch of pairs of LL Bean wool socks. Their boot socks are FANTASTIC. If I’m wearing pants, I like to tuck the pants into the socks and then pull on my Bean boots or Uggs. I carry my indoor office-appropriate shoes in a bag.
The streets of Chicago still have a lot of residual snow and slush, so I try to avoid wearing nice shoes outside during this time of year.
I love salads- sounds delicious!
I adore salads with avocado … this one’s for me!
Loving these awesome flavors Heather! Great salad!
I have never used smoky paprika in a salad dressing before-genius!
Thanks Kristie!
Yessssyeyseysyesyeyseysyes. Yes.
Heather, this is so right up my alley! I’m making this soon!
see the foods so good’ so think you.
I made this tonight. Sadly I didn’t have romaine hearts, so I substituted baby kale, but it was still delicious. Thank you for a wonderful recipe.
It very nicely and delicious.so what type of dressing are you using
The recipe for the dressing is in the recipe Paul
This has been my to go to salad to impress for th last year or so. I usually Doctor up recipes but nothing to change in this salad. Thank you so very much for this gem 🙂
Oh Awesome Alexandra- I love this recipe!!
Looks yummy! Have you ever used spinach instead of romaine?
Yes you do that, ski coat for sure, no one will blame you, we all wear goose down or puffy coats in the winter here and I’m still freezing
This was so good! I ended up washing up some more lettuce so I could have some more for dinner.
Oh good Genevieve! I love this salad too!
This salad is so delicious!!!! The flavors are spot on!