Taste Summertime Comfort Food with Polk Salad
If you’re looking for a summertime comfort food that captures the spirited flavors of the south, look no further than polk salad. At first glance, the name itself can seem a bit perplexing. But no matter what you call it, this dish is sure to provide an enjoyable burst of flavors that will leave you wanting it again and again.
Polk salad, sometimes referred to as “possum salad”, is a longstanding southern dish that not only brings flavors from the past, but can also provide us with a sense of nostalgia. The main ingredients are often greens such as lettuce and spinach, along with onion, peppers, and celery. It’s typically seasoned with salt and pepper, and topped off with an egg or bacon.
Although this dish can vary depending on individual preference, it’s often served with tomatoes and a ranch-based dressing. The coolness of the vegetables, combined with the seasoning and dressing are sure to put a smile on your face. To give it an extra burst of flavor, try adding some garlic, red pepper flakes, and diced green onion.
Part of what makes polk salad such a great dish is that it’s endlessly adaptable. For example, you can substitute the lettuce, spinach, and tomatoes with cabbage, kale, or even root vegetables. The dressing is also flexible – you can experiment with your favorite seasonings, or combine other ingredients such as mayonnaise and vinegar.
When it comes to the preparation process, this dish couldn’t be easier. If you’re in a hurry, you can simply chop or shred the vegetables, mix them together, and enjoy. On the other hand, if you’d like to prepare it in advance, it’s just as easy. Once you have all the ingredients chopped, mix everything together and leave it to rest in the fridge for a few hours. The flavors will become even more pronounced.
These are all wonderful qualities that make polk salad a great dish, no matter the occasion. It can be the perfect side to a summer barbecue, or an ideal addition to an outdoor picnic. It’s easy to prepare, can be made in advance, and is even more enjoyable when shared with family and friends.
So the next time you’re considering what to cook for a special day, give polk salad a try. If nothing else, it will surely remind you of the days of summer!
Ingredients
– Lettuce
– Spinach
– Onion
– Peppers
– Celery
– Tomatoes
– Salt and pepper
– Egg/Bacon
– Mayonnaise
– Vinegar/Seasonings
Instructions
1. Chop the lettuce, spinach, onion, peppers, celery and tomatoes into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix these together in a large bowl, and season with salt and pepper.
3. Fry an egg or bacon and add to the mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and vinegar and your favorite seasonings.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad and give it a good stir.
6. Refrigerate for a few hours, stirring every now and again.
7. Serve cold. Enjoy!