Simple lettuce Salad

tumblr_mhsdyhsopt1r4p2epo1_1280.jpg
tumblr_mhsdyhsopt1r4p2epo2_540.jpg

We are getting some great lettuce in our CSA these days so I made up a very simple salad which turned out to be a great combo. One head of lettuce, one avocado, a handful of raisins, another handful of sunflower seeds and the fruit from one peeled clementine (or a sliced persimmon). Dress with your favorite vinaigrette and share!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Twitter/Instagram @theforestfeast

Persimmon Squash Salad

tumblr_mdqyefl1OV1r4p2epo1_r2_1280.jpg
tumblr_mdqyefl1OV1r4p2epo4_1280.jpg
tumblr_mdqyefl1OV1r4p2epo2_r1_1280.jpg
tumblr_mdqyefl1OV1r4p2epo3_1280.jpg
tumblr_mdqyefl1OV1r4p2epo5_1280.jpg

Persimmons are my favorite autumn fruit and I was so excited to share this recipe on Design Sponge on Friday- it’s a great, alternative Thanksgiving side salad. Trees around the Bay Area are bursting with persimmons right now and my friend, photographer Topher Simon, let me come over and pick from (and photograph!) his tree. Be sure when eating persimmons raw you choose the Fuyu variety- they are more squat and crunchy. The other more oblong variety leave a pasty taste in your mouth when eaten raw- they  are meant for cooking with.

Check out the Design Sponge post of this recipe for more photos and detailed instructions. Enjoy!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Sesame Edamame Salad

tumblr_m9yi4qzy7i1r4p2epo1_1280.jpg
tumblr_m9yi4qzy7i1r4p2epo2_1280.jpg

I am really excited to be this month’s featured “Guest Recipes” blogger for Anthology Magazine. I will be contributing a new seasonal vegetarian side dish each week, posting on Thursdays. Week 1 is this Sesame Edamame Salad. For the full recipe and more photos, click here to see it on the Anthology Magazine website.  Bon Appetit!

By Erin Gleeson at The Forest Feast

Mint Pesto Potato Salad with Cherry Tomatos

tumblr_m8pnqs6hE51r4p2epo1_1280.jpg
tumblr_m8pnqs6hE51r4p2epo2_1280.jpg
tumblr_m8pnqs6hE51r4p2epo3_1280.jpg
tumblr_m8pnqs6hE51r4p2epo4_1280.jpg
tumblr_m8pnqs6hE51r4p2epo5_1280.jpg

Last week my parents hosted a summer dinner party at their house in Sonoma County. It was such a warm night that we wanted to eat outside, however we had to stay under the netting canopy to avoid mosquitos! Dad BBQed chicken and we made lots of salads with goods from the garden. This Mint Pesto Potato Salad was a hit! Just make pesto as usual, but use mint instead of basil. Any kind of nuts would work, but we used walnuts. You can boil or roast the potatoes and you may need a touch more olive oil and a pinch of sea salt when mixing it all up in the bowl. It’s great warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast

Watermelon Salad

tumblr_m7wkbrsUqp1r4p2epo5_r1_1280.jpg
tumblr_m7wkbrsUqp1r4p2epo2_1280.jpg
tumblr_m7wkbrsUqp1r4p2epo1_1280.jpg
tumblr_m7wkbrsUqp1r4p2epo3_1280.jpg
tumblr_m7wkbrsUqp1r4p2epo4_1280.jpg

Nothing says summer like watermelon! Slice watermelon into approx 1 inch rings, then remove the rind from each slice with a small knife. Place one watermelon “round” onto each salad plate, then top with a layer of thinly sliced fresh mozzarella (5 pieces?), followed by a layer of finely chopped mint, basil (approx ¼ c each) and a sprinkling of nuts (I used almonds and walnuts, but you can use any kind). Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sea salt before serving. Enjoy with a fork and knife- a light yet filling salad!

By Erin Gleeson for The Forest Feast