Gilbert’s rich agricultural history shines in the Gilbert Goddess Salad, crafted by Marissa Delgado with Arizona Homegrown Experience and a passion for fresh, local flavors. This vibrant dish features locally sourced ingredients, from crisp romaine lettuce and tangy cherry tomatoes to savory goat cheese. Topped with a zesty homemade dressing using Queen Creek Olive Mill olive oil and tequila cask-aged vinegar, this salad blends playfulness and elegance. It’s a perfect addition to your holiday gatherings, celebrating the best of Gilbert’s farms and culinary traditions.
Gilbert Goddess Salad
Fresh local romaine lettuce is lightly brushed with Queen Creek Olive Mill roasted garlic oil and torched for a fun flavor kick! If you don’t have a torch, you can quickly grill the lettuce over high heat to achieve a similar smoky effect. Next, toss local cherry tomatoes in the same flavorful oil and lightly torch or grill them until they are just beginning to blister. Shuck fresh corn, grill it until charred, and then slice it into 1/2-inch disks for a sweet, smoky crunch. To add a unique touch, incorporate 1/2 a boiled quail egg from a local Gilbert family farm, lending a rich, creamy element to the dish. For a delightful crunch, sprinkle Tajín-spiced chicharrones over the top, offering a gluten-free, high-protein alternative to traditional croutons. Finish the salad with crumbles of local goat cheese and a generous drizzle of freshly made Gilbert Goddess dressing.
For the Gilbert Goddess Dressing:
- Queen Creek Olive Mill Olive oil: 8oz
- Fresh lemons: 2
- Dijon mustard: 2 T
- Local honey: 2 T
- Queen Creek Olive Mill tequila cask-aged vinegar: 2oz
- Cilantro: 1 bunch
- Fresh oregano: 1 bunch
- Jalapeño: 1
- Salt, pepper, chili flake to taste
- Garlic: 1 clove
- Shallot: 1/2
- Avocado: 1
Combine all ingredients in a blender except the fresh herbs and olive oil. Blend until smooth, then slowly incorporate the olive oil to emulsify. Lightly chop the herbs and blend them with the avocado into the dressing. Add water if necessary. Drizzle over the salad, enjoy with your favorite veggies, or use as a marinade for chicken.
For added flair, top the salad with grilled vegetables or serve alongside a crisp white wine to elevate your meal further.