. . . a side salad that is the perfect complement to a prime rib roast, steaks — or just about any dish.

Enjoy!! And have a great weekend! Eat outside while you still can . . .

Greens and Berry Salad
Serves 4-6

1  (8 oz) pkg. mixed greens (about 8 cups)
½ cup crumbled blue cheese
2   ¼” thick slices red onion, separated into rings
1 cup fresh raspberries or sliced strawberries
1  (2 oz) pkg slivered almonds, toasted
¼ cup bottled balsamic vinaigrette salad dressing
1 tsp Dijon-style mustard

In a large salad bowl, combine the greens, blue cheese, onion, raspberries and almonds.  In a small bowl, whisk together the salad dressing and mustard. Pour dressing over the salad and toss well.

Like a good steak sauce? Don’t want to break down and buy the kind the store carries?

Make your own!

Here, Chef John shares his secret steak sauce recipe with us.

There’s a video of the process and a link to the ingredients. So, check it out here!

Photo and link courtesy of foodwishes.blogspot.com.

Here’s the scenario:  You’ve grilled up a beautiful T-bone. It’s cooked just right — it’s juicy in all the right places, it’s seared in all the right places and the grill marks are outta sight.

What could possibly be good enough complement that? Or (gasp!) to sit on the same plate?

You’d better have a killer side, baby. That’s all I’ve got to say.

Psst. Yeah, you. Come here . . . closer . . .

Closer.

I’m gonna let you in on a little secret.

Try this . . .
Avocado Salad with Lemon and Olive Oil
Serves 6

2 cups finely chopped onion
¾ cup finely chopped red bell pepper
3 T finely chopped seeded jalapeno pepper
3 T extra virgin olive oil
3 T white wine vinegar
2 T fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
¾ tsp sea salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 large garlic clove, minced
1½ cups chopped peeled avocado (about 2)
1 (8 oz) pkg. mixed greens (about 8 cups)
1½ cups grape tomatoes
2 T chopped fresh cilantro, optional
¼ tsp hot pepper sauce, optional

Combine first 10 ingredients in a large bowl; toss mixture gently. Cover and refrigerate 3 hours. Stir in avocado just before serving. Divide greens and tomatoes among 6 salad plates. Top greens with avocado mixture and garnish with cilantro if desired.