Summer Salad

This easy summer salad combines the juicy sweet-tart taste of pineapple and the rich nutty flavour of avocado in an intriguing dressing.  With  the sharp bite of Dijon mustard and the tingling zing of garden-fresh mint, the creamy dressing is delightfully 'summery' in taste. Ripe black olives with their pungent, rich saltiness, and chewy soaked almond seeds add texture and an extra touch of exotic flavour. Nippy ginger root and lemon juice add their special zest. Crisp curly leaf lettuce is a good choice of green, and is substantial enough to compliment the other ingredients.

You'll need: 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; few grains Himalayan salt; 1 tablespoon chopped ginger root; 2 teaspoons chopped fresh mint; 1 teaspoon chopped chives; 1 avocado, cubed; 1/2 cup diced pineapple; 1/4 cup black olives, 1/4 cup coarsely chopped soaked almonds; 1 cup lettuce or mixed greens.

The Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk olive oil and lemon juice together until thick and creamy. Add Dijon mustard, cayenne pepper, salt and blend well.  Stir in chopped ginger root, mint and chives.

Pit the avocado, score each half of the fruit in a grid, and scoop gently into bowl, Coat lightly with dressing.

Slice pineapple rounds, cut off peel, core and dice into bite-size pieces. Add to salad bowl and combine.

Soak almonds in fresh water overnight in fridge. Drain well. Coarsely chop and add to bowl.

Add black olives to salad and lightly mix with other ingredients. I've used black Moroccan olive with the pits in for maximum flavour. (Be sure to alert diners if you use whole unpitted olives, and provide a small side-plate or dish for collecting pits.)

Wash and pat dry lettuce.  Tear into bite-size pieces and add to salad on top of other ingredients. Refrigerate until needed. Just before serving, toss lettuce in. This salad makes a lovely starter to a lunch or dinner, or served with fresh bread or crackers can stand alone at the dining table as a balanced and tasty meal. 

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The Tropical Taste of a Summer Salad