Wurstsalat... German Bologna Salad

A looooong time ago, I used to visit with a friend of the family. She was born in Germany and moved to the states with her father. Her brother stayed in Germany with her mother. Her brother would come to visit in the summer. I adored those visits, listening to them talk to each other, even though I couldn't understand much. One time, her brother brought along his (then) fiance. She made a salad that I loved! I asked her for a recipe, but she couldn't speak English well enough to translate it. So, we gave up. Well, through the help of a few friends, I found a few recipes, combined a few things that I remembered and here you have it! Finally, after all this time! I have a little tweeking to do, but this is IT!!! YAY!

4 oz German Bologna
1/4 cup Cheddar Cheese
1/4 cup German style Dill Pickles 

1/4 cup Bell peppers
1/4 cup Cucumber
1/4 cup Tomato

2 Boiled Eggs (Whites Only)

1 Tablespoon Vinaigrette Dressing
1 tablespoon juice from the pickle jar
2 tablespoons Mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Sour cream

Chop the bologna, cheese, pickles and vegetables into small cubes and add to a medium size bowl. Add the pickle juice and vinaigrette in a small bowl. Whisk in the mayo and sour cream. Add to the bologna and veggie mixture and toss. Let the mixture sit for a little bit or store in the frig. The longer it sits, the more the flavors will marry.

Many of the recipes call for onion. I wanted the flavor but not the bite of raw onion. So, I substituted some onion powder... just a sprinkle. Make it your own. Leave out what you don't want and add your favorites!

Fresh Herb Vinaigrette

You can use pretty much any herb you like for this dressing. I love basil and am looking forward to having more fresh herbs in my garden this year. Try your favorite herb or try my favorite... basil! :-)

Fresh Basil Vinaigrette

1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1 cup extra virgin olive oil

a few basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp white sugar
1 tsp kosher salt

In a blender or food processor combine vinegar, basil, garlic, sugar, and salt. Process until the basil and garlic are minced well. Continue to process while adding oil in a slow steady steam. Process until dressing is emulsified. 

Blackberry Spinach Salad with Fresh Basil Vinaigrette

3 cups baby spinach, rinsed and dried
1 pint fresh blackberries
6 ounces crumbled feta cheese
1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
1 green onion, sliced
1/4 cup walnuts, pine nuts or sunflower seeds (optional)
1/2 cup edible flowers (optional)

In a large bowl, toss together baby spinach, blackberries, feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, green onion, and walnuts. Serve with fresh basil vinaigrette on the side and for a fancy touch, garnish with edible flowers.

Fresh Basil Vinaigrette

1/2 cup white wine vinegar
1 cup extra virgin olive oil

a few basil leaves
2 cloves garlic
1 tsp white sugar
1 tsp kosher salt

In a blender or food processor combine vinegar, basil, garlic, sugar, and salt. Process until the basil and garlic are minced well. Continue to process while adding oil in a slow steady steam. Process until dressing is emulsified.