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Summer salad from my garden : Carrot, greens and watermelon

My first story (and photographs) for BBC Good Food India magazine covers the restaurant Chez Mariannick, in the Off the Eaten Track section. Do check the April 2012 issue. If you love good food, you must subscribe to BBC Good Food online. And I'm not saying this only because I'm writing for them. Th

Ingredients
  

  • 3 carrots medium - peeled and shaved
  • bunch rocket fresh leaves ( you can substitute any other lettuce varieties or baby spinach).
  • bunch lettuce leaves fresh .
  • Handful thai basil lemon basil fresh herbs like / .
  • Handful mint fresh .
  • Handful almonds roasted .
  • 2 cups watermelon cubes .
  • 3 tbsps apple cider vinegar (you can substitute with red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar).
  • 1 tsp pesto (or use 3 tbsp finely minced/pounded basil in 1 tbsp olive oil).
  • 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil .
  • 1 tbsp honey .
  • Pinch black pepper ground .
  • 1/2 tsp salt .

Instructions
 

  • Wash the greens and herbs in a sink full of water 2-3 times. Use a salad spinner to dry the leaves or spread between two clean absorbent kitchen towels for up to 30 minutes before proceeding with recipe.
  • I used an orange, purple and yellow carrot each because that's what was the day's harvest from my kitchen garden. You can use any carrots that are in season. I shaved them using a vegetable peeler.
  • Roughly chop the dried salad greens and herbs into bite sized pieces.
  • In a large bowl, mix the salad greens, thai basil, mint and shaved carrots. Keep aside.
  • Mix all the ingredient for the dressing in a small glass jam jar and give it a good shake.
  • Just before serving, pour the dressing over the greens-carrots in the bowl. Toss well.
  • Divide into two plates, top each plate with half the roasted almonds and the watermelon cubes.

Notes

Tip:.
Adding grilled chicken or tofu or paneer or chickpeas will make the salad a heartier meal.
[All pictures for this post taken on iPhone. I've realised that if I have to blog more often, iphone pics are my best friend :).
Shopping notes:.
All kinds of salad greens (except for rocket) are always available fresh at Namdhari's.
Apple Cider Vinegar - I use Waitrose brand from Hypercity.