This recipe may surprise you — as you may expect a “twist” on traditional New Year’s fare from the Southern USA, such as blackeyed peas, ham or turnip greens. Instead, this is to salute something else we Southerners are proud of — the Masters golf tournament — and share one of my all-time favorite salad recipes. For a number of years, the Green Jacket Restaurant was a popular gathering place in Augusta and also in Macon, Georgia. Named for the greatest “trophy” in golf, the original restaurant was located across the street from the main entrance to Augusta National. The Macon location became one of my favorite lunch spots, especially for their house salad. Since the restaurants closed I’ve been disappointed with several “copycat” recipes that have been published — until the Viking website (www.vikingrange.com) came through with one that is the closest and best.
This will be our salad course on New Year’s Day. Yes, a salute to the South, to Georgia and to that famous “green jacket” that has put us on the map — and also because it’s yummy.
Secret: Make the dressing ahead of time. Add ingredients to jar, cover and shake, then refrigerate for several hours or overnight so that flavors can blend.
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1 Roma tomato, diced
1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2 12-ounce bags prepared Iceberg and Romaine salad
1 pita, split in half, toasted and broken into bite-sized pieces (you may wish to substitute plain pita crisps)
Shredded parmesan cheese (optional)
For dressing, combine vegetable oil, vinegar, tomato, seasoned salt, oregano, green onion and parsley and blend well. Combine lettuces in large bowl and add dressing, tossing well. Arrange on salad plates and top with pita bread pieces or crisps, garnishing with parmesan cheese if desired.
Makes eight servings.
