Today I enjoyed one of my absolute favorite salads for lunch.  The ingredient list is short and simple, and most of the items are easy to keep on-hand all the time.  My favorite ingredient is the chick peas.  I buy a pound of dried organic chick peas for less than $2, but after I cook them I have enough to last me for days – not to mention a batch of homemade hummus!

I’m also a fan of homemade salad dressings.  I honestly cannot remember the last time I bought a bottle at the store.  Not only is homemade dressing a lot less expensive, but it is fresher in flavor.  My husband uses balsamic vinegar and olive oil on his daily salad, but sometimes I’ll make Greek dressing or one with some Dijon mustard and shallots.  The dressing for today’s salad consists of nothing more than lots of fresh lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.  How easy is that?!

Homemade Mother’s Favorite Salad

romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-size pieces

roasted red pepper

tomato

chick peas (aka garbanzo beans)

fresh mozzarella

lemon

olive oil

salt and pepper

Mound lettuce in a large bowl.  Top with red pepper, tomato, chick peas and fresh mozzarella.  Generously squeeze fresh lemon juice on top, and follow with a good sprinkle of olive oil.  Add salt and pepper to taste.