Summer Salad and A Steak Marinade

Kicking off our July 4th weekend, we enjoyed a simple but delicious dinner last night that included two new recipes.  Being just 2-1/2 weeks post-partum, these recipes had to be easy, and they really were.  They were so enjoyed by everyone that they'll be going in the permanent file.

Green Bean Salad

1 lb. fresh green beans, trimmed

1 small red onion, sliced

12 cherry tomatoes, halved

12 pitted ripe olives, halved

1/4 c. shredded parmesan cheese

2 T. bacon bits

1/3 c. olive oil

2 T. balsamic vinegar

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 tsp. ground mustard

1/2 tsp. salt

dash pepper

Cook greenbeans until crisp-tender.  Combine beans with onion, tomatoes, olives, cheese, and bacon.  In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, mustard, salt, and pepper.  Drizzle with dressing; toss to coat.

**I actually used frozen green beans and left out the olives. 

~here it is with the dressing

I rarely use marinades...just because I haven't tried many and don't have quick and easy recipes to use.  This one is a keeper....not overwhelming, but very flavorful.  The combination of the green bean salad and steak in this marinade even earned me a "Cheers for Mommy!" from my Beloved.  :)

Marinated Sirloin Steak

3/4 c. apple juice

3/4 c. soy sauce

1/4 c. olive oil

1 T. each minced fresh oregano, rosemary, and thyme

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp. ground ginger

1 beef sirloin steak 1-1/2 lbs.

In a large Ziploc bag, combine all ingredients and then add meat.  Turn to coat and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.  Drain and discard marinade.  Cook meat as desired.

***I used this on petite sirloin steaks (7 of them) and marinated them for about 7 hours.  Instead of fresh herbs, I used 3 T. of Italian seasoning which included the above spices.  The marinade was delicious and would taste good on chicken and pork, too.

~both recipes from Taste of Home's Simple and Delicious with adaptations


Enjoy!