Layered Salad Of Sliced Tomatoes Arugula And Tapenade Toast Recipes

OVERNIGHT LAYERED LETTUCE SALAD

Steps:

• In a 4-qt. or 13x9-in. glass dish, layer the first 5 ingredients. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sugar; spoon over salad, spreading to cover., Sprinkle top with cheese, bacon and cranberries. Refrigerate, covered, overnight.

LAYERED SALAD OF SLICED TOMATOES, ARUGULA AND TAPENADE TOAST

Steps:

• In a small saucepan, combine minced shallots, garlic and sherry vinegar. Cook over very low heat until the shallots are soft and fragrant, about 15 minutes. Strain shallots and garlic, reserving the liquid.
• To prepare a tapenade vinaigrette, combine shallots, garlic, olives, anchovies and capers in a food processor. Process until smooth. Add olive oil through the feed tube in a slow steady stream until the mixture is emulsified. Transfer to a small bowl, and whisk the reserved liquid in. Season with salt and pepper.
• Reserve 1 1/2 tablespoons of the tapenade vinaigrette in a small covered container. In a shallow glass or china bowl, layer slices of tomato with sliced shallots, the remaining tapenade vinaigrette and salt and pepper to taste. Cover with plastic wrap, and marinate, refrigerated, for 2 to 12 hours.
• Strain tomatoes in a colander over a large, shallow bowl. Transfer tomatoes to a plate. Dip toasted bread slices in the marinade in bowl, and set aside on another plate. In a medium mixing bowl, combine arugula leaves with the reserved 1 1/2 tablespoons of tapenade vinaigrette.
• To assemble, on each of four plates place a slice of bread, 2 slices of tomato and a few arugula leaves. Top leaves with another slice of bread, tomato slices and a few more leaves. Serve immediately.

ARUGULA AND TOMATO SALAD

Steps:

• Toss the tomatoes with the balsamic vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside until juicy, about 5 minutes. Toss the arugula with the olive oil, a pinch of salt and a few grinds of pepper in a large bowl.
• Spread the arugula on a platter. Spoon the tomatoes and their juices on top, then drizzle with more olive oil and vinegar. Top with parmesan.

SLICED TOMATOES WITH BLUE-CHEESE DRESSING

Steps:

• Core the tomatoes, and cut into thick slices. Peel the onion, and slice.
• Combine the vinegar, oil, cheese, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend with a wire whisk (the dressing should be lumpy).
• Arrange the lettuce leaves, slices of tomatoes and onions on a cold serving plate, alternating them and slightly overlapping. Pour the dressing over all. Sprinkle with the basil, and serve.