2 crunchy, flavourful salads with summer-fresh vinaigrettes

Love salads but looking for some fresh, new options? Here are two recipes for a romaine lettuce salad with chunky tomato vinaigrette and a carrot-almond salad with raspberry vinaigrette that are sure to become your favourites!

Prep time: 12 minutes
Serves: 6

Ingredients

• 2 large ripe tomatoes, halved, seeded and coarsely chopped
• 75 ml (1/3 c.) loosely packed fresh basil leaves
• 30 ml (2 tbsp.) tomato sauce
• 30 ml (2 tbsp.) olive oil
• 15 ml (1 tbsp.) balsamic vinegar
• 1 small clove garlic, crushed
• 2 ml (1/2 tsp.) salt
• 1 large head of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 50 ml (1/4 c.) crumbled feta cheese

Preparation instructions

1. For the vinaigrette, place tomato, basil, tomato sauce, oil, vinegar, garlic and salt in a food processor.
2. Pulse on and off until blended but still chunky.
3. Toss the lettuce with vinaigrette in a large bowl. Sprinkle with feta. Serve immediately.

Nutritional information
Each serving contains 82 calories; 3 g protein; 5 g fat (including 2 g saturated fat); 3 g carbohydrates (including 2 g fibre), 6 mg cholesterol and 237 mg sodium.

Fresh ideas!

• Chunky tomato vinaigrette also makes a tasty topping for grilled meats and chicken or pasta.
• It can be made several hours before it's needed and refrigerated.
• To dress up a simple pasta dish, grate some mozzarella and add salami and black olives.

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 8 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 30 ml (2 tbsp.) raspberry vinegar
• 15 ml (1 tbsp.) olive oil
• 15 ml (1 tbsp.) honey
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp.) salt
• 1 ml (1/4 tsp.) black pepper
• 500 g (1 lb.) carrots, peeled and thinly sliced on the diagonal
• 50 ml (1/4 c.) slivered or sliced almonds
• 1 scallion, thinly sliced

Preparation instructions

1. For the vinaigrette, whisk the vinegar, oil, honey, salt and pepper in a small bowl.
2. Steam carrots over a medium pan of simmering water just until tender, or about eight minutes. Rinse under cold running water and drain.
3. Toss the carrots, almonds, scallion, and vinaigrette in a medium bowl. Serve immediately.

Nutritional information
Each serving contains 134 calories; 3 g protein; 6 g fat (including 1 g saturated fat); 18 g carbohydrates; 4 g fibre. 0 mg cholesterol and 204 mg sodium.

If you're bored of regular old salads, these recipes are sure to help. They make the perfect pairing or appetizer to a wide variety of dinners, and can even be used as crisp, healthy lunches. Give them both a try and see which one's your favourite!