We all love a one pot dinner, but usually think of a slow cooker in winter or hearty stew on the stove, right?  What about a one platter dinner for summer?  We think a family style salad would be just right.  The added bonus is Jill’s recipe makes it easy for me to clean out the fridge at the same time or take a stroll through the garden to see what’s ready.  What will you add to her list from your own fridge? -Maggie

I have always been intimated by salads. Someone else’s salad always seem so fresh, more lively, and more interesting. I’ve come to realize through the years, however, that creating a salad is sort of like arranging flowers — a play of colors, shapes, textures and flavors — and that some of  the best salads have been happy accidents, thrown together from a forage in the garden or fridge.

One-off salads without a recipe, pulled together with some great extra virgin olive oil, the freshest ingredients, and a handful of herbs have become the best salads in my repertoire.

This meal-in-one salad, with a quick simple sweet mustard vinaigrette,  is exactly that.

Served on a large platter, family style, makes it super easy and a good weeknight meal, especially hearty topped with parmesan cheese, egg or even grilled chicken or fish.

What scrumptious salad will you be making this week?