First Harvest! (And a Delicious Salad, Too!)

I had my first official harvest from the garden yesterday ! ( I say "official" because I've been using the herbs for a while now).  My lettuce and spinach bowls have really grown quickly this year. I'm so happy with the results!

I grow these in shallow bowls and move them around my deck, where they get optimal sunlight.

When dinner time rolled around, I really didn't have a plan. I had some sweet corn, but didn't know what I was serving with it. I threw together a unique salad, and it was really delicious!

Do you ever get in a salad rut? I know I do. Store bought Romaine, tomatoes, cucumber, balsamic dressing...yawn! It gets boring.

It's good to shake things up in the salad category once in a while!

This was a "Using What I Have in the Fridge and Pantry" salad, and it was delicious and very filling. A big hit with my husband! There's a sweet and savory aspect to this salad that comes from the apple sausage and onion combo.

Salad Greens with Chicken Apple Sausage and White Bean

1 Pkg. Chicken Apple Sausage (4-5 links), sliced
1 Sweet Vidalia onion, sliced thin
1 can white bean ( canelli or Great Northern), rinsed and drained
2 T. olive oil
1/4 c. Garlic Expressions dressing (or any preferred vinaigrette)
2-4 cups mixed lettuce greens ( I used Mesclun and spinach)

In a pan, heat olive oil and add sausage and onion. Sautee until onions are soft and sausages are cooked. Empty mix in a bowl and set aside. In same pan, add beans, stirring and cooking for just a few minutes until warmed and very lightly browned.

Arrange lettuce greens on a platter. Top with sausage, onion and beans. Drizzle dressing over salad. Enjoy!

Summer cooking should always be this easy...and delicious!

Blessings, cafe friends!