Grains, Beans & Veggie Planter Box Salads
Chef Joni
Surprise your guests by serving their salad in a planter pot --they look like little gardens! Change this into a dessert, and use crushed oreo cookies as the "dirt" with strategically placed nuts and fruit.
- 4 butter lettuce leaves or more to double layer
- 11/2 c. cooked grains and or green lentils any combination will do
- 11/2 c. chopped veggies of your choice scallions, bell peppers, celery, carrots, etc.
Salad dressing (vegan)
- 1/2 c hummus I like the garlicy version
- 1/8 c water to desired thickness
- 1-2 tsp dijon mustard spicy mustard is good too
- 1 tbls lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp maple syrup, if needed optional
Garnish
- 12 mini pearl tomatoes 3 for each pot
- 4 marinated mini mozzarella balls 1 for each pot
- 4 parsley or cilantro sprigs 1 for each pot
Options
- Chopped black olives for more "dirt"
- Chopped black beans for more "dirt"
- Chopped nuts to mimic gravel-like soil
Line each planter with parchment paper. Cut the paper large enough to come up the sides, but keep below the height of the planter.
Put the lettuce leaves inside the planter, molding them to the size and shape of the planter. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the grains (and lentils if using), the chopped veggies and the salad dressing.
Scoop this mixture into each planter, about 3/4 cup each.
Strategically place the tomatoes, cheese and parsley.
At the table, I served these pots with a plate so that the guest can tip their pot onto the plate to eat it easily as a lettuce wrap or serve with a knife and fork to cut the lettuce into bite-size pieces.
For larger portion size, use 1/2 gallon planter pots, or mini terrariums.
Add nuts to mimic rocks and stones.
Add edible flowers to add beautiful texture and color.