Provence-Inspired Salads with Herbes de Provence

Close your eyes and imagine yourself basking in the warm sunshine of Provence, a region in southeastern France renowned for its rolling lavender fields, charming villages, and, of course, its incredible cuisine.

Fresh, seasonal ingredients are the heart of Provençal cooking, and salads are a delightful way to experience the region's vibrant flavors. But what if you can't fly to France right now?

Fear not, food lovers! With a sprinkle of Herbes de Provence seasoning blend, you can bring the essence of Provence straight to your kitchen and create light, flavorful salads that will tantalize your taste buds.

Herbes de Provence: A Savory Symphony

Herbes de Provence is a seasoning blend that captures the essence of Provençal herbs. This unique combination typically includes thyme, savory, oregano, rosemary, and the star of the show – lavender flowers.

The result is a complex and savory flavor profile with a touch of floral sweetness from the lavender. This seasoning blend is incredibly versatile and can be used in various dishes, but it shines particularly well in salads, where its aromatic notes can elevate fresh ingredients.

Salad Inspiration: A Journey Through Provence

Here are three delicious salad recipes that showcase the magic of the Herbes de Provence seasoning blend, each transporting you on a culinary journey through the diverse landscapes of Provence:

1. Niçoise Salad: A Taste of the Seaside

The Niçoise salad is a classic dish from Nice, a coastal city in Provence. This hearty salad traditionally features ingredients found in the bounty of the sea and surrounding countryside. Our version incorporates Herbes de Provence to enhance the natural flavors.

Ingredients:

· 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in olive oil, drained and flaked

· 1 cup cooked green beans, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces

· 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

· 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives

· 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

· 2 hard-boiled eggs, quartered

· 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped

· 1/4 cup Herbes de Provence vinaigrette (recipe below)

Herbes de Provence Vinaigrette:

· 3 tablespoons olive oil

· 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

· 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

· 1 teaspoon honey

· 1/2 teaspoon Herbes de Provence seasoning blend

· Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

· In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and Herbes de Provence seasoning blend. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

· In a large serving bowl, combine the lettuce, green beans, cherry tomatoes, olives, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs.

· Add the flaked tuna and drizzle with the Herbes de Provence vinaigrette.

· Toss gently to coat and serve immediately.

Tips:

· Feel free to add other vegetables commonly found in the Niçoise salad, such as artichoke hearts or roasted red peppers.

· For a protein boost, add grilled chicken breast or shrimp.

2. Summer Salad with Stone Fruits and Burrata: A Celebration of Sunshine

This light and refreshing salad is a perfect way to celebrate the abundance of summer fruits found in Provence. The sweetness of the stone fruits perfectly complements the savory notes of Herbes de Provence.

Ingredients:

· 2 cups mixed baby greens

· 1 cup nectarines, sliced

· 1 cup peaches, sliced

· 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese

· 1/4 cup toasted walnuts

· 1/4 cup Herbes de Provence vinaigrette (recipe above)

Instructions:

· In a large bowl, combine the baby greens, nectarines, peaches, goat cheese, and toasted walnuts.

· Drizzle with the Herbes de Provence vinaigrette and toss gently to coat.

· Serve immediately.

Tips:

· This recipe is flexible, so feel free to use any type of stone fruit in season, such as plums or cherries.

· For a touch of luxury, drizzle the salad with a bit of honey before serving.

3. Lentil Salad with Roasted Vegetables: A Hearty Provençal Option

This salad is a fantastic vegetarian option that's packed with protein and flavor. The lentils provide a satisfying base, while the roasted vegetables add a touch of sweetness and smokiness. Herbes de Provence ties it all together with its signature savory notes.

Ingredients:

· 1 cup cooked brown lentils

· 1 cup roasted vegetables (a mix of red bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant)

· 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

· 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

· 2 tablespoons olive oil

· 1 tablespoon lemon juice

· 1 teaspoon

· 1 teaspoon Herbes de Provence seasoning blend

· Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

· Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed vegetables (red bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant) with olive oil and salt and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender and slightly browned.

· In a large bowl, combine cooked lentils, roasted vegetables, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh parsley.

· In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and Herbes de Provence seasoning blend.

· Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat.

· Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Tips:

· For added flavor, marinate the cubed vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, and Herbes de Provence seasoning blend for 15 minutes before roasting.

· Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Beyond the Recipes: Adding Herbes de Provence to Your Salads

These recipes are just a starting point for your Provençal salad adventures with Herbes de Provence. Here are some additional ideas for incorporating this versatile seasoning blend into your salads:

1. Dress Up Greens: Simply toss your favorite leafy greens with a sprinkle of Herbes de Provence and a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar.

2. Grilled Delights: Enhance grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and asparagus with a dusting of Herbes de Provence before grilling.

3. Herb-Roasted Chicken: Add a Provençal twist to your roasted chicken by coating it with olive oil, lemon juice, and Herbes de Provence before cooking. Slice the chicken and add it to your salad for a protein boost.

4. Poached Eggs: Elevate your salad with a luxurious poached egg. Sprinkle the egg with Herbes de Provence before poaching for a touch of savory magic.

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