August 28, 2010

Farmers Market Goodies

After a night full of a little too much partying, I just needed an easy day. So, today I slept until almost 11AM, mustered enough energy to go to the farmers market and came home with some of the tastiest produce I've had all summer. I debated going out to eat tonight because I didn't feel like cooking, but instead got a burst of inspiration from the rainbow of veggies in the fridge and threw together this "no recipe recipe".

The best part? Even in my zombie-like state it came together in minutes. The only time consuming part is cutting up the beautiful bounty of vegetables.


Farmers market chickpea salad
Ingredients

- 1 15oz can chickpeas, rinsed & drained
- 2 bell peppers, diced (I used one purple and one orange pepper)
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 yellow tomato, diced
- 1 clove garlic, pressed or minced
- Thyme vinaigrette
- S&P

Instructions
- Combine ingredients, add vinaigrette and stir. Chill until serving. That's it!

Thyme vinaigrette
Ingredients

- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dijon
- S&P

Instructions
- Combine ingredients and whisk!

I will say, though, that the one ingredient that MADE this dish was pink Himalayan sea salt. I picked up a tin at the farmers market (for $3.00!) and absolutely fell in love. Seriously, I dipped my finger to get all the grains after I finished eating. It's unlike any salt I've ever had - mild, coarse, addictive pink nuggets.




The salad is so simple that I almost didn't post it, but knew I had to because it's fantastic. Bright, colorful, crisp and has a perfect balance of flavors. I highly recommend making it with the vinaigrette because the fresh thyme really tied everything together and added a lovely depth of flavor.

Oh, today I also saw a giant tree at none other than "Big Tree Park" in Orlando. It's absolutely terrifying.


I have an easy evening ahead of me. Good night!

4 comments:

  1. That tree is insane!!!
    And your salad sounds fabulous. Good idea add thyme to the vinegarette :)

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  2. I looove food fresh from the farmer's market. It just tastes so much better! This summer I've had some of the best cantaloupe and peaches I've even eaten. Your salad looks great. I just happen to have some leftover thyme from cooking I did earlier this week, hmm...

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  3. It was truly frightening.
    Thanks! I love herbs in dressings. :)

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  4. You're so right; farmers market produce tastes so much fresher. You should definitely make good use of that thyme!

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