Instead of Salad
Sometimes we have salad for lunch, so for dinner, I enjoy putting together vegetable platters (which sometimes contain fruit, like this one. I have always found this an appealing option, especially when the boys were younger. They always preferred choosing raw foods from a nicely arranged platter than picking through a salad, somehow. I still find it an easy, appealing option to serve with dinner. Here’s one we had the other night with Thai-style noodles and a stir-fry of tofu and tempeh. It features pineapple, cherry tomatoes, daikon radish, yellow peppers, baby carrots and sugar snap peas. It takes minutes to prepare, and disappears quickly!
peggy said,
May 19, 2006 @ 9:49 am
During the day when my sons are outside playing with the neighborhood kids they are always running back inside for snacks between meals. I’m going to use this idea and keep a platter of fruit and veggies with some kind of dipping sauce ready for when they want something to nibble on.
Teddy said,
May 22, 2006 @ 2:19 am
Your presentation is beautiful.
My dad always says “you eat with your eyes before you eat with your mouth”
I love it
Teddy
Jennifer W said,
May 22, 2006 @ 2:48 pm
This looks so good! I too eat a lot of veggie plates - makes for a quick and filling alternative to a traditional salad.
I also find this time of year another wonderful alternative - I have a little obsession with my fresh herbs (I have huge potted herbs on my kitchen windowsill filled with Basil, Sweet basil, Cilantro, and Curly parsley) so they find a way onto and into everything I make.
My alternative is a common one - I layer fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on a platter and drizzle EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) and balsamic vinegar over top. This is also wonderful without the mozza (as I eat it).
bibliochef said,
May 22, 2006 @ 9:48 pm
I like Jennifer W’s alternative too… . but I do all sorts of veg platters, even though I am not truly veg. Stop by my site and let me know your iews of Moosewood and suggest other veg cookbooks!
Susan
Lilo said,
May 27, 2006 @ 10:10 am
My brother and I share a quirk that drove our mom insane—we only ate veggies if they were raw, and we still strongly prefer them “crispy.” That takes me right back!
Nava said,
May 28, 2006 @ 2:51 pm
This kind of platter is really appealing to everyone, including children. My older son still is not crazy about mixed salads, so I do this a lot for his benefit. Lilo, I think your mom was lucky! Raw veggies are the best way to go—that’s when you get the most benefit from them!
Jennifer W said,
June 5, 2006 @ 8:57 am
I am eating more fruit and veggie trays as of late. Being in training for my 8th half-marathon - I am finding out which fods really help to drive my energy levels and endurance. I even pack oranges for my runs!