Mr Wilkinson’s Simply Dressed Salads is the latest offering from the British-born chef and author who came to prominence after the success of his first book, Mr Wilkinson’s Favourite Vegetables. Matt Wilkinson’s passion is based on sourcing the very best seasonal and local produce to make simple dishes that allow the flavours of fine ingredients to shine through. His ethos is simple: food in season tastes the best, especially when it’s grown in tune with nature.
This book follows the seasons and is filled with 52 stunning salad recipes that are both meals in themselves or fantastic accompaniments that can be shared as part of a main meal. The design is intricate, melding soft colours and beautiful produce photography with botanic-style illustrations from famed Melbourne artist, Miso, and a strong typographic aesthetic.
Try a salad of zucchini flowers, ribbons & grilled zucchini with quinoa and smoked tomato dressing or bio-dynamic rice, dried sweet fruits, feta, nuts & seeds. For something simple think summer leaves, lime salt and a mint vinaigrette or beans with smoked almonds and a honey dressing. Delve into something more hearty such as Spanner crab and bottarga scattered through mustard and spinach leaves.
Recipes for salad dressings are ingeniously presented as an illustrative ‘family tree’ that match different flavour ‘families’ with ingredients. In addition, there is a section for homemade cordials and drinks to help quench a thirst whatever the season. With whimsical stories and tips for picking the best ingredients, as well as great design, Mr Wilkinson’s Simply Dressed Salads is a fine, inspiring and complementary addition for any cooking enthusiast.
