Looking for ways to make a flavorful green salad?  I just came up with this tonight and it turned out great!  Enjoy!

Green Salad with Flavorful Green and White Garnishes

Romaine

Leftover spiral ham

Sliced sweet green peppers

Special cucumbers (to make:  slice cucumbers paper thin--salad shooter works great.  Add a little white vinegar, canola oil, dill, and salt.  Stir and marinate overnight)

Croutons

Alioli (you can make this ahead of time and serve as a dressing--recipe below)

RECIPE FOR ALIOLI:  This sauce originated in Cataluna and has spread all over Spain. The name comes from the Catalan words for the two main ingredients all (garlic) and oli (oil). It is quick, easy and very flavorful, so it is easy to understand why it is so popular in Spain. Serve it with meats, fish, or vegetables - or just spread it on bread. The Spanish also use it as an ingredient in main course recipes. This recipe makes about 1 cup and uses 2 egg yolks.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 00 hours, 00 minutes

Ingredients:

• 4 medium to large garlic cloves
• salt to taste
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 1/2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup extra virgin Spanish olive oil

Preparation:

This garlic mayonnaise recipe makes approximately 1 1/2 cups.

Peel and mince the garlic. Using the flat side of a large knife, crush the garlic. Place in a small mortar and pestle and add ½ tsp salt and smash into a paste.

An alternative to save time is to use a good garlic press that peels and mashes the garlic in one step. Either way, you can use a mortar and pestle to mash the garlic into a paste.

Crack the eggs and separate the yolks into a small mixing bowl. Transfer the garlic paste to the bowl and whisk to blend. With a hand mixer on low speed, slowly pour in the olive oil in a THIN, steady stream until a creamy sauce forms. Add the touch of lemon juice slowly at the end, while keeping the mixer on to ensure that the sauce stays smooth.

The traditional version of this sauce did not have egg yolks, but the yolks make it easier to whip.

Note: If you enjoy spicy sauces and the fresh garlic flavor is not enough, after the sauce is made, season it with cayenne pepper for a spicier taste.