Tuesday, January 12, 2010

Cookbook Week: Seitan Piccata and Sexy Salad

The Chef: Kristen

The Menu: The super-saucy Seitan Piccata with White Wine and Capers and Alicia's Sexy Inspired Salad from The Kind Diet. The piccata was cooked to perfection, and the savory, rich onion- and caper-infused sauce was an indulgent lunchtime treat! If there's anything VN staffers love, it's a caper. Our side salad today had a fresh, lemony dressing that perfectly balanced the luxurious sauce.

The Goods: First, a huge congratulations to Kristen on her first turn in the VN kitchen! This meal was beyond critique, and we can't wait to sample more of her stellar cooking. Second, another gigantic congratulations to Vegyogini, who won yesterday's copy of The Kind Diet! Vegyogini, send us an email with your full name and mailing address, and your winnings will be on their way! Finally, for tomorrow's copy of the book, tell us in the comments: what goes into your go-to salad?

115 comments:

TRISTA said...

Raw beets, the golden ones. I've never liked beets, but have fallen in love with them raw in salad. Also nutritional yeast. Just ate romaine, carrots, scallion, and seitan salad for lunch.

Anonymous said...

My favorite salad:

Lightly steamed broccoli
Fresh kale
Homemade guacamole- avocados, red onions, tomatoes, lime juice & salt

Have a great day!

Ms. Meilani said...

My favorite salad has mixed greens, something sweet like cranberries or grapes, something crunchy like sunflower seeds or almonds, tomatoes, onion, olives, and balsamic vinegar for dressing.

Unknown said...

It depends on the season!

one of my favs is a veg version of a recipe that i think originally came off of a hidden valley ranch packet

fresh peas
fresh cauliflower
cashews
crumbled tempeh fakin'
green onion
ranch-type dressing

Unknown said...

Seeds!!! Usually sunflower but pumpkin and hemp are fantastic too. The crunch gives salad lots of body and is very filling.

Lauren Christine. said...

my go to is: mixed greens, shredded carrots, sliced yellow peppers, black olives, sunflower seeds, any type of roasted squash, avocado, lightly dressed in olive oil and lemon juice.

Zee said...

Avocado!!! MMMMM!

Jackie Smith said...

My salad is random (whatever veg + bean I have in the fridge), but I love a mustard & garlic-based salad dressing made with good olive oil.

Tessa said...

Fresh kale, cut thinly and covered in lemon juice and olive oil. Lightly sprinkle with salt. Let sit for about 15 minutes, and then throw in toasted walnuts, avocado slices, and purple cabbage. Mmm.

Sarah said...

Mmmm.. salad... Spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, corn, carrots, purple cabbage, sunflower seeds, garbanzo beans, dried cranberries, almonds... The list goes on! I think I might just need to have that for dinner now, actually!! =)

Anonymous said...

My go to is lettuce (of any variety), tomatoes, avocado, hearts of palm (I splurge!), marinated artichokes, and whatever bean I have on hand! :D

KellyH said...

Sauteed Mexican flavored veggie ground round, avocado, tomatoes, green olives, nutritional yeast, spicy salsa, and mixed greens. Yummy and filling!

Kristin Konrady said...

my go to salad is as follows & will feed 2 people...

6-10 cups of organic mixed baby greens

1/2-1 ripe organic avocado, diced

1/2 c. Diced organic cherry tomatos

2 tbsp. Roasted & unsalted sunflower seeds

20 vegan organic croutons

1/2 of an organic purple onion, diced

1 package of Tofurkey slices. Don't separate the slices, just cut the whole thing up into cubes

2 tbsp. Nutritional yeast flakes

1-2 tsp. Organic herbs de provence or other all purpose seasoning

Lemon pepper to taste

4 tbsp. Organic dressing of your choice. I use Lemon Soy Tahini from Cindy's Kitchen

Gently mix it all together in a huge bowl & dig in!

You could easily substitute tofu for the Tofurkey or any other meaty substitute & you can whatever additional veggies you like, even cold leftover roasted veggies. It's all good!!!

Jennie L. said...

I make a vegan version of Rachel Ray's Celery Succotash Salad. It's pretty quick to make and my non-vegan family always asks for it.

Bryn said...

romaine, chickpeas, shredded carrots and zucchini and sunflower seeds!

rosemary said...

Baby Spinach, thin slivers of organic baby carrots, slices of brightly colored red & yellow sweet peppers, thin slices of English cucumbers, crimini mushrooms, dried red cherries and pine nuts.

Anonymous said...

green leaf lettuce, baby herbs, cucumbers, red onion, carrots and tomatoes with Italian or vinagrette dressing.

Lisa D.

Anonymous said...

I love sprouts in my salads!

Sheree' said...

I love using all my left over beans along with beet and believe it or not cooked brown rice is a wonderful addition along with greens, greens, wonderful greens!

Cindeelicious said...

I love a salad with mixed greens, sliced green apple, walnuts and a simple balsamic vinaigrette. Yum!

caroline m. said...

Avocado, tempeh (sesame garlic flavored), tomato, spinach and red onion. So light and a good mix of textures. Mmmm!

Rob said...

The kitchen sink: Greens, red cabbage, carrots, beets, cucumbers, red onion, avocado, baked tofu or garbanzos, hearts of palm, olives, tomatoes (when they're in season), and sometimes rice, quinoa and or apples.

katherine said...

Any kind of lettuce, i.e. Romaine, Radicchio;, hearts of palm, red peppers, tomatoes, walnuts, hemp seeds, garbonzo beans, avocado, mixed up in a little olive oil and lemon juice. Delicious!

dsharp88 said...

Sliced avocado is a must. Mind you, I didn't eat avocado until about six months ago. Now, I can't imagine a salad reaching its potential without it. the greens can vary, tomatoes, beans, cucumber, black olives... They're all wonderful, but avocado is my favorite topper for them all.

EARTH MOTHER said...

Mixed greens, yellow bell pepper, cucumber, cherry tomato, avocado, red onion, crunchy sprouts, kalamata olive, dried cranberries w/ balsamic dressing.

Boneyardpixie said...

Sprouts, kidney beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, mushrooms, jalapeños, scallions, nutritional yeast, cilantro, and whatever homemade dressing I made for the week...lately it's been a Cilantro Lemon Vinaigrette.

Kari Whitney said...

I leave the house for lunch with my son and my glass container is filled with romaine lettuce, sprouts, cucumbers, homemade croutons, carrots, celery, mushrooms, artichoke hearts (I heart artichoke hearts), and my favorite dressing (lemons, tamari, ginger, garlic, flax oil, nutritional yeast, and water)

Unknown said...

I'm pretty traditional and boring with salad, but I dress one up just a bit with sun-dried tomatoes, red onion, and/or Sunergia Soy Feta.

Nutritional Yeast said...

nutritional yeast

p said...

spinach, tomatoes, onions, tempeh...YUM!

Unknown said...

Whatever is in my kitchen, really. From mixed salad greens to nuts, to apples, to granola along with any veggies I can find. My absolute favorite, though, is roasted root salad with pecans and cashew cheese

Wendy L said...

Arugula, avocado, shredded beet and carrot, sprouted mung beans, couple of olives, fresh herbs from the garden, pepper, olive oil, squeeze of lemon. Add cashew/red bell/nutritional yeast cheez and flax seed crackers and I am delighted!!!!!!

Jamie said...

Depends on what I'm in the mood for, or have in the house. But I guess the most common is probably spinach, tomato, carrot, lots of avocado, cucumber, and green onions, usually with a nice homemade maple and balsamic vinaigrette.

Lauren B said...

everything fresh! spinach, baby bellas, grape tomatoes, peppers, avocado, baby corn, beets...any asian or italian dressing i can find!

SaraMM said...

sunflower seeds, chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, pear, apple, walnuts, pecans, kale and homemade "honey"mustard dressing.

Anonymous said...

A salad of mine is not complete without fresh corn kernals sliced hot off the cob!

Josiane said...

I don't have one specific go-to salad, because I like variety. Tonight's salad was a simple but delicious coleslaw: cabbage, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and nutritional yeast. This last ingredient is the one that takes this coleslaw away from ordinary and closer to extraordinary - yum!

Unknown said...

My favorite salad:

+Red and yellow bell peppers sauteed in olive oil and Veggie Grill Seasoning

+Freshly diced sweet onions

+Thinly sliced cucumber

+Whole flax seed

+Red wine vinegar

+Leaf lettuce

Delicious.

Stacy Carter said...

I'm not picky as long as there are avocados!

Anonymous said...

I absolutely adore a salad with some warm component, to balance the crunch and coolness of the greens. My favorite is with roasted fennel, hazelnuts, and dried cranberries on a bed of butter lettuce with a warm shallot dressing, a la Veganomicon. It seriously is the best salad. Ever.

birdfeed said...

I need raisins, carrots, chickpeas, and spinach in order to make a great salad.

beeps said...

avocados and garbonzo beans. the rest are just tasty details. :D

i should say that those go ON my greens, including steamed and cooled kale. makes a great salad with the above and an asiany dressing.

Sandra said...

tomatoes, sunflower seeds, carrots on a bed of mixed greens....mmmmm....even better with some homemade vegan ranch!

Unknown said...

my ideal (gigantic) salad contains: spinach, raw corn, carrots, grape tomatoes, mushrooms, broc, hummus, a veggie burger, and balsamic vinegar!

Jess said...

arugula, avocado, grated carrot and raw sunflower seeds...yum!

Unknown said...

Definately raw cabbage (I vary green vs. red vs. nappa)- sometimes with salty soy-like dressings, sometimes with vingarettes (red-wine esp); then all the extras - mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, onions, and olives. yum.

Anoella said...

My go to is romaine and arugula with lots of shredded raw beets and carrots, and what ever else I have and lubricated with a liberal amount of balsamic vinegar and a little organic extra virgin olive oil. The beets and balsamic flavour is incredible!

chellie_d said...

Cucumber, red onion and baby spinach, with a dressing made of equal parts tahini and tamari. Oh my, I want some now!

TracyP said...

Lettuce, caramelized nuts, dried cranberries and creamy "honey" mustard dressing.

Melissa said...

My go-to salad has mixed greens, carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, edamame, and carrot ginger dressing!

The Osterbergs said...

My go to salad depends on whatever I have in the fridge or what mood I'm in. I love a basic salad of spinach, red onion, tomatoes, avocado, lemon juice and a bit of raspberry vinegar topped with pumpkin seeds or sliced almonds. YUM!

HeyitsBeth said...

Avocado, for sure! It makes everything SO much yummier.

saranoel said...

romaine, dried cranberries, roasted walnuts with a sweet balsalmic dressing....or...baby spinach, shredded carrots, shredded red cabbage, sesame seeds with a carrot/ginger/miso dressing...or...some crunchy lettuce mix, tomatoes, cukes, carrots and good ole' italian dressing...or...romaine, tomatoes, home-made tempeh bacon, avocado (a BLAT salad, if you will...) mmm, salad. even in january in maine i'm craving some... :)

Sarah S. said...

My favorite salad toppings are toasted almonds, peas, beets, chickpeas, carrots, and tomatoes. YUMYUM!

Chelsea said...

Lettuce (of any sort), baby carrots, artichoke hearts, roasted portabello mushrooms, eggplant, and red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, yellow bell peppers, cucumbers, a few pickled hot peppers, and several splashes of balsamic vinegar. I like my salads to represent every color of the rainbow :)

I just need to find something blue!

cattzeye said...

My favorite go-to salad includes: kale, spinach, cannellini beans, lightly steamed brussels sprouts and yellow crookneck squash, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and my own homemade peanut-tofu-miso dressing, with nutritional yeast sprinkled over the top, and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Mmmm!

Unknown said...

Lately I've enjoyed pomegranate seeds on salad -- I like the sweet, tart crunch they add. But the best part about salads is that the possibilities are endless... today I had a great one with mixed greens, pecans, sliced avocado, and raspberry vinaigrette.

sharon said...

mandarin oranges, almonds, craisens, and of course, lots of mixed greens!

Rachael said...

must have kale or spinach, dried cranberries, walnuts and lemon juice! Or avocado with salsa as the dressing! Yummmmmmm!

Rachael Dawn said...

Must have avocado and salsa as the dressing!

Nichole said...

greens + spinach, tomatoes, avocado, sunflower seeds, peperoncinis, and either sprouts or microgreens. i love a vinaigrette dressing.

Sherry said...

My salad:
Spring greens, English cucumber, Heirloom tomatoes, fresh fig, toasted pecans, sliced asst'd veggies (beets, carrots, celery, anise, jicama, sweet red pepper, broccoli, okra) kalamata olives, sliced red onion - dressed with Balsamic vinegar, herbs & extra virgin olive oil.

Mmmm Mmmmmm GOOD!!!

Jenny said...

For my salads I start with some Kale, and then anything goes. From tomatoes to goji berries, nutritional yeast, ground flax, wheat germ, almonds, and some soy feta then I love to top it with a bit of green goddess dressing.

Unknown said...

My fave salad features corn kernels, tomatoes, avocado, garlic, olive oil, lime juice and black beans. It's so colourful that I call it Summer Salad. It's nice to serve it even now, as it gives me something to look forward to as there's tons of snow outside now!

Unknown said...

Mixed greens, spinach, broccoli, Kalamata olives, and Trader Joe's Goddess dressing... yum!

Jen G. said...

For an extra crunch I like to put in tri colored broccoli slaw, yum.

Carla said...

At the moment I'm loving the combination of shredded coleslaw out of a bag, fienly shredded kale, some chickpeas and avocado mixed with a mustard mayo dressing and served on a bed of leaves!

Anonymous said...

Roasted almonds, cherry tomatoes and olives, yum!

Flopperwhopper said...

The salad can be whatever is freshest in the fridge...romaine, cucumbers, red pepper, avos...but the MUST addition is Kristen Suzanne's "CHEEZY HEMP NACHO SAUCE"! (http://kristensraw.blogspot.com/2009/03/kristen-suzannes-ultimate-raw-vegan.html) Makes a WONDERFUL dressing! I can't stop eating it once I start. :)

Chrissy said...

Tons of spinach, shredded carrots, and chickpeas. I love to cover it in Annie's Green Garlic dressing (my partner hates vinegar... crazy, I know!).

Becca said...

A few cubes of smoked tofu, almond "cheese," salt and pepper, and olive oil are a must for every salad!

mara said...

Spinach, green onion, olive oil roasted and seasoned veggies, cashew cheese. OMG -- mmmmmm!......

The PodPiper said...

Most of our salads have some sliced beets. It adds a little sweetness. Quinoa is also a favorite for adding protein, texture, and flavor.

miamimimi said...

Mixed greens, red onion slivers, avocado, smoked-baked tofu cubes, homemade garlic croutons and homemade balsamic vinagrette dressing.

Happy eating!

Jasmine Azouz said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jasmine said...

Lettuce
Garbanzo Beans
Kidney Beans
Tomatoes
Avocado
Sprouts

in a sweet herb vinaigrette

Unknown said...

leafy greens
baked tempeh
beans
avocado
sea salt
pepper
a dollop of vegan sour cream

Georgie said...

Dark leafy mixed lettuce + dressing of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, dijon mustard, maple syrup, S&P + juicy kalamata olives, avocado, cherry tomatoes + whatever vegetable is about to die in my fridge!

jblue33 said...

take some cherry tomatoes & Garbanzo Beans
cut them in half and lightly heat them in a pan with some olive oil
then, sprinkle with curry powder, black pepper, a touch of salt and a few squeezes of fresh lime juice.

Toss the mixture into some Organic Rocket Arugula

Simple and delish!

Unknown said...

Whatever is in the fridge!

two vegan boys said...

In the Summer, I put lettuce, yellow squash, zucchini squash, red tomatoes, yellow tomatoes, a few mild peppers, carrots and mushrooms if the local mushroom farmer has some for sale. Love it! In the Winter, lettuce, beets, carrots, tomatoes (we are fortunate enough to grown them in the Fall around here), broccoli and onion.

Such goodness.

Unknown said...

I like a simple salad of spinach, carrots, dried bing cherries, tomatoes, and a light dressing.

Mmmm!

Mary Ann said...

Kale with cherry tomatoes and red onions with a dressing comprised of Agave, olive oil, lemon juice, dijon mustard, red pepper flakes and ground salt and pepper.

Unknown said...

Mixed greens, tomatoes, red onions, red peppers, red cabbage, avocado, sauteed mushrooms and tofu cubes(or Gardein 'chicken') for that warm component, topped with any seeds on hand. The dressing is a combination of olive oil, dijon mustard and lemon juice. YUM!

Beth said...

Avocados, red onion, garlic, cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, mushrooms, sprouts, toasted pumpkin seeds, fennel, fresh peas and some nutritional yeast...splash on some balsamic vinegar and sprinkle on some cracked black pepper,and you have a party in your mouth.

piper said...

my fancy salad has to have hearts of palm. mmmmmm
my simple, every-day salad go to is lettuce, whatever veggies i have, olive oil, lime juice, cilantro, & salt & pep.
Now, I'm hungry.

Unknown said...

My favorite salad Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Ingredients:
4 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
2 Tbs. red wine vinegar
1 Tbs. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. light brown sugar
2 small garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. poppy seeds
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 package spinach leaves
1 pint strawberries, sliced

Mix the dressing ingredients together.In a small bowl, mix together the first 6 ingredients of the dressing. Slowly add the olive oil, while whisking vigorously to create an emulsion. Add salt & pepper, to taste.

Just before serving toss the spinach and strawberries with the dressing. Enjoy immediately. This salad will not keep.

Anonymous said...

Spinach base, pine nuts, hummus, carrots, some kind of bean (black, kidney, or chickpeas), and bean sprouts or alfalfa sprouts whenever I can get them! Also an agave-dijon mustard dressing...so good!

Unknown said...

Avocados, garbanzo beans, grilled tofu, tomatoes, black olives, sesame seeds and balsamic vinaigrette dressing.

carol said...

Definitely spinach with fresh blueberries, strawberries and some kind of nut or seed like pumpkin or toasted pecans with a lovely maple syrup vinaigrette.

Caroli said...

I like to toss walnuts and raisins in my green salad. It's healthy and delicious!

4 Hounds said...

It's not a salad without garbonzo beans!! I also love spicy pickled beans and/or pickled beets.

Michelle said...

baby spinach, cucumber, tomatoes and red onions... yum

KwanJo said...

My favorite salad is a pasta salad...yummo...I love rotini noodles with artichokes, green olives, banana peppers, red onion and spinach in an olive oil and vinegar dressing. :-)

roguewoman said...

I'll put just about anything in a salad, but it's got to have a sweet veggie, preferably shredded, like carrot, parsnip or beets. Yacón is good, too. I add apples and/or pears when sharing with my husband. I prefer to dress my salad just with dill vinegar and nutritional yeast and some sesame seeds. Yum!

La Mama Naturale' said...

Oooo! Mixed greens, radishes, green onion, avocados, carrots, cucumber, parsley, and beets. Lime, balsamic vinegar and sesame oil. Thanks for the chance. :)

Jody said...

My salad always has sliced green olives. (Preferably the variety with Sicilian herbs)

Mixed greens, carrots, tomatoes (fresh or sundried). If available, I add onions and avocado.

If not, add some fresh hummus and skip the dressing.

JP said...

I love a salad with Avocado & sunflower seeds and I drench all my salads in Balsamic vinegar.

kim g. said...

I love avocado and homemade croutons in salads - creamy and crunchy!

Corinne said...

Dark greens, tomatoes, cuke, pepper, raddish, red onion, beets, cabbage, carrots, celery, chia seeds topped w/spicy pecan vinegar

Bethany said...

cucumber, peanuts, apple, lettuce, tomato, cabbage, mushrooms and whatever else is handy.

Anonymous said...

I love to add mushrooms, sesame seeds, toasted pecans and fresh herbs to a gorgeous bed of seasonal greens - I love to mix earthy, nutty flavors with tangy, crisp, clean notes. If it's big and colorful, I'm happy.

Michal said...

My go to salad has...
greens, peas, tofu, carrots, tomatoes, almonds and vegan parm! YUM!

Amy Mo said...

My favorite salads contain mixed greens, red onions, black olives, Café Yumm sauce and salsa!

Laidatu said...

organic spring greens, dried cranberries, blue-cheese(yeah i know), cashews and a italian balsamic vinagrete

bagwasher said...

I feel that every salad needs avocado. I am so lucky to have my own tree which is full of fruit right now!

radioactivegan said...

I try to mix them up, but every salad has some kind of nut and usually some dried fruit! Otherwise, anything raw in the fridge goes in the salad.

sarah said...

Spinach, carrots, and cranberries with homemade cinnamon vinaigrette: flax oil, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, dijon mustard, and lots of cinnamon!

Abby Bean said...

Toasted pine nuts travel well in a to-go salad!

g8rlane said...

Can't beat mixed greens, celery, red pepper, cukes, almonds, feta, and crannberries with raspberry-walnut vinagrette! Yum!

Unknown said...

chick peas, bell peppers, garlic, hot peppers, scallions, cilantro, with spicy olive oil dressing. Not sure if it sounds good or not. i can eat whatever and most people think i have weird combinations.

Vegan Viking said...

smoked tofu! Also, avocados make everything better =)

Jessica said...

i love adding some fruit- berries, apple slices, oranges or clementine segments!

Unknown said...

All organic: Artichoke hearts, heart of palm, cauliflower, tomatoes, red onion, shredded carrots, garbanzo beans, sunflower seeds, or almonds, avocado, dark leafy greens, roasted asparagus (when I can get organic), and any other veggies that are in season. Dressing is optional, but balsamic vinaigrette is a usual standby.

Carmen said...

My to go salad is quick to make & packed with rich sources of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (flaxseed), vitamin B-12 (Red Star nutritional yeast) & protein (seeds, spirulina).

Ginger Sesame Dressing over Mixed Greens & Seeds

Ginger Sesame Dressing:
½ c flaxseed oil
1/3 c raw apple cider vinegar
¼ c Bragg Liquid Aminos
½ c water
2 T sesame oil
2 T fresh ginger, grated
¼ c Red Star Vegetarian Support Formula Nutritional Yeast

Mixed Greens & Seeds:
Lettuce mix
Pumpkin seeds
Sesame seeds
Pure Hawaiian Spirulina

Mix dressing ingredients in glass jar. Stir dressing over mixed greens, seeds & spirulina in bowl. 4 servings.