Organic Citrus and Mixed Green Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

May Day is a lovely celebration…one of earth…one of life…one of love. Today I reflect on the fertile soil in which my life is planted. I walk the garden noticing the plentitude of blossoms it boasts. I was hoping for sunshine today; we are hosting friends for dinner, a celebration in the true Beltane tradition. Perhaps the clouds will hold their rain droplets long enough to allow us time to circle around the warmth of a bonfire.

Today I savor the quiet moments of preparation, not rushing, not stressing to make everything perfect. (That will come later…) I relish in the making of each dish, considering the individual ingredients as I add them, exploring what they may have meant in some long-ago time, what they mean today, where they came from and how they nourish our bodies. I realize as I am in this mode of peaceful contemplation that these moments are nourishment to my soul. I am grateful for this moment, this opportunity for reflection, this love by which I am constantly surrounded.

Beltane is traditionally an earth-based celebration with Gaelic roots. It marks the coming of summer and co-conspires to honor the gifts of fertility. It is the time to honor the abundance of life coming forth. The flowers, their pistils awaiting the kiss of buzzing bees, mark the anticipation of the harvest yet to come. The May Pole offers a symbol of male fertility and the cauldron a symbol of feminine fertility. The joining of these two, of course, is what brings life forth. Their blessing is life’s abundance.

My cauldron is bubbling with a themed menu honoring the day’s cornucopia of offerings and the partnership of earth, life and love. I have drawn upon documented traditions I have come to know. In this practice, I feel the nurturance as received by my Celtic soul in drawing upon this custom. I cherish life and love this sharing of its everyday pleasures. I am lacing each dish with love and gratitude for those with whom I love, live and befriend. I know it will be an evening of bliss. I know it will be an evening full of love.

Here’s a simple and festive salad to touch your day. I hope you will enjoy it with those you love in celebration of life’s bounty!

Bon appetite!

Organic Citrus and Mixed Green Salad with Pomegranate Vinaigrette

2 c. organic mixed baby greens

1 c. organic romaine leaves

1 c. organic red leaf or red bib lettuce

6 organic mint springs, leaves removed

1 organic blood orange, peeled and segments cut in half

5  - 7 kumquats (organic if possible), halved

4 organic Medjool dates, chopped

 organic almonds, slivered

organic violas for sprinkling

Sea salt

Fresh ground organic pepper

Rinse lettuces, tear to desires size and combine in salad bowl. Sprinkle in mint leaves and toss. Add the blood oranges, kumquats and dates. Toss with Pomegranate Vinaigrette (below), cover with specks of slivered almonds, then salt and pepper to taste. Add a few violas for a festive touch.

Pomegranate Vinaigrette

½  c. organic olive oil

1 T. pomegranate molasses

juice from ½ an organic lemon

2 T. red wine vinegar

1 t. honey (optional)

Sea salt and fresh ground organic pepper

Combine all ingredients in a jar with a tight fitting lid and shake vigorously until the mixture emulsifies. If it is too tart for your liking, add the honey and shake well. Toss with Organic Citrus and Mixed Greens Salad.

Note: May is officially Gluten-Free Month so look forward to a month-long celebration!

©2010 Taylor Donovan

source: taylorstable.com