Endive Boats are the perfect party salad.
Boats make salad a finger food!
Last Christmas when I catered this party I served endive boats rather than a salad dish. They went over really well, so I decided to make a spring version for the wedding shower.
This spring version contained raspberries, raw asparagus (thin stalks), and pecans. Over the top I drizzled a light raspberry vinaigrette.
A lot of people are surprised by raw asparagus, but it is quite tasty. In season, the asparagus is especially sweet and the crunch it added was perfect.
The raspberries were just a tad sweet, but still have an early-season tartness that was well-balanced with the fruity vinaigrette and rich, nutty pecans.
Like the deviled eggs, there weren’t any leftover by the end of the party!
Recipe at the bottom.
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Last week I announced I was taking the Green Giant Veg Pledge to add an additional cup of veggies to my daily eats. Many of you said you would join me… have you been doing it?
Jenn @ Peas and Crayons is with her What I Ate Wednesday theme for April:
Check out my veggies below; then click here to see how everyone else incorporated extra servings.
Breakfast:
Do you ever wake up starving? Having followed the P90X workouts this week, I cannot get enough food!
Carrot Cake Smoothie:
- 1 C spinach
- 1 medium carrot
- 1/2 banana
- 1/2 in piece fresh ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 7-8 drops liquid vanilla stevia
- 1 T rolled oats
- 1/2 C unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tsp maca (optional)
- Pecans (optional – for topping)
Lunch:
The veggie-theme was full force at lunch today. I had a conference call, so I ate it in two parts.
Part 1: A slice of whole wheat multi-grain bread from the farmer’s market with my Chipotle Corn Hummus, raw asparagus, zucchini, and carrots.
I brought the veggies to work in that carrot bag. The bag was almost empty, so I piled my asparagus and zucchini slices rather than wasting another baggie. I’m a total hippie.
Part 2: Garden Lites Cauliflower Souffle
Tasty, but I may have over-microwaved it.
Snacks:
With my 2-part lunch, I didn’t do much snacking… there was the daily Kombucha with raspebrries, a Think Thin, Wasa flatbread, and unpictued stuff (nuts, 1/2 cupcake, cereal):
Dinner:
It was a pizza night at a favorite pizza joint, Double Zero. You cut the pie with scissors and they have one of the best Italian wine selections in ATL. My pie was tomato, mozzarella, arugula, roasted garlic, and chilis.
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Spring Endive Boats
- 6-8 endive heads
- 2 pints raspberries
- 1 bunch thin asparagus, chopped
- 1/2 C chopped pecans
- Raspberry vinaigrette
Assemble endive leaves evenly across a large tray. Divide raspberres, asaparagus pieces, and pecans evenly among boats.
Lightly drizzle with raspberry vinaigrette just before serving.
Serves 30.
***
I was going to post that mac ‘n cheese recipe… but I had to go endive for the veggie theme! 
How are you doing with the Veg Pledge? Have you been incorporating an extra veggie serving each day?
What is the best thing you’ve eaten so far this week?
52 comments
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Jen
April 11, 2012 at 12:38 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Those boats look delicious!!
Jessica
April 11, 2012 at 1:22 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love the boats! They are so pretty and festive! They would be a great party appetizer
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes
April 11, 2012 at 1:35 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The endive boats look so pretty.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen
April 11, 2012 at 2:07 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Wait. You cut the pizza with scissors?
Yet another reason–besides cutting herbs this summer–I need to procure a really good pair of kitchen shears…
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 10:01 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yup! So much easier than a pizza cutter or knife.
Khushboo
April 11, 2012 at 2:47 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Those boats look so nice…and such a great idea to serve at a dinner party! The best thing I’ve eaten this week is probably glazed & barbecued sweet potato rounds…so simple yet SO delicious!
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 10:05 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! Your sweet potato rounds sound amazing!
Healthiful Balance
April 11, 2012 at 6:07 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Yeah, sometimes I just wake up starving even though I had a bed time snack.. I guess it happens?
I had that same Think Thin bar a few days ago.
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 10:09 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It’s my favorite flavor since they changed the formula for the toffee one.
Meg
April 11, 2012 at 6:18 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
CARROT CAKE SMOOTHIE!? So cool
I loooove anything carrot cake flavour! GENIUS!
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 10:16 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks, Love! It was pretty delish… a good summer replacement for carrot cake oats!
Tessa @ Amazing Asset
April 11, 2012 at 6:45 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Aww those boats are so pretty! I was just going to say “perfect for spring” but duh, thats part of your title for them haha
I like the idea of the carrot cake smoothie too! Must try once the weather is officially WARM
Fran@ Broken Cookies Don't Count
April 11, 2012 at 6:59 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Everything looks delicious and the endive boats are Adorable!
Lauren @ Oatmeal after Spinning
April 11, 2012 at 8:00 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love the little endive boats!! SO cute!
I woke up starving this morning, but it’s probably because I didn’t go to bed full for once (I’m trying to be a lot more mindful of my night-time snacking habits. I like to think that if I wake up hungry with my stomach growling, that’s my tummy burning up fat.
I definitely need to make that carrot cake smoothie- sounds awesome!
Oh- and hey- fellow Kombucha addict: have you made your own before? I can’t remember. Amanda from Pickles n Honey had a great post about it yesterday: http://www.picklesnhoney.com/2012/04/09/how-to-make-kombucha-growing-a-scoby/
I’m going to try it!
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 10:24 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I don’t know how you do it with all the classes you teach – I’d be inhaling food 24-7.
Thanks for sharing the kombucha post! I really should make my own… it’s SO expensive.
Lee
April 11, 2012 at 8:07 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I always think about making a smoothie but then I don’t want to clean the blender. How lame is that? I have all the ingredients for this one though, maybe tomorrow! Or Saturday. Because I can clean more on the weekends?
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 10:27 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Leeeee! That Vitamix is SO easy to clean.
Laura
April 11, 2012 at 8:51 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Beautiful endive boats–thanks for sharing the recipe! Love the hippie comment… I try really hard to be eco-friendly, but sometimes it’s so challenging… I shop bulk to avoid packaging but then all the bulk bin baggies come home with me, and I don’t have the time/arms/will to drag all my containers along with me. But those little things (like stuffing veggies in a carrot bag) totally count!
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 10:29 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I feel that same way about the bulk bins! And about the veggies. I don’t put everything in as baggie like some people, but some bagging cannot be avoided.
Parita @ myinnershakti
April 11, 2012 at 8:52 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Berries + asparagus…interesting! Your creativity never ceases to amaze me!
And I had one of those “wake up and I’m starving days” today. I love that feeling though because it makes breakfast that much more enjoyable!
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 10:31 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! I love adding fruit to salads – the little bit of sweetness makes everything “pop.”
Tiff @ Love Sweat and Beers
April 11, 2012 at 8:55 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Mmmm… ya can’t beat pizza n’ wine.
Thanks for the tip on raw asparagus. I can’t say that I’ve had it.
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 10:33 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Right?! I don’t know why people have beer with pizza – red wine is where it’s at!
Mindy - Clueless Nut
April 11, 2012 at 9:45 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s awesome! Cutting pizzas with scissors? Ha!
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 10:34 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You should check that place out – it’s really good!
sportsglutton
April 11, 2012 at 11:27 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Beautiful looking endives Laura. Hope you’re having a good hump day!
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat
April 11, 2012 at 11:40 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Recently I’ve been waking up feeling FULL – not a good sign about my current eating habits!
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 10:35 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
More often than not I’m the same way. Nighttime snacking kills me.
Danica @ It's Progression Not Perfection
April 11, 2012 at 11:40 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The boats look adorable! They’d definitely be cute for a shower.
Tiffany
April 11, 2012 at 11:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Those boats are que fancy!
Carol @ Lucky Zucca
April 11, 2012 at 1:40 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Awesome endive boats (part 2!). I love that you recreated them seasonally. PS You keep making me want to go to these places up Roswell Rd & far far away! Double Zero sounds awesome! Cut your pizza with sicssors?! The kid in me is excited about that.
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 10:41 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You should go!!! It’s definitely work the trip OTP… and it JUST barely OTP, so that makes it ok
Ashley @ Freckles & Spice
April 11, 2012 at 2:07 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve been eating kimchi/grain/green bowls like 3-4 times a week. They are the best and I’m not getting sick out it. So good. Every one of my bowls has like 2+ cups of veggies – I just start dumping in everything in my fridge. Veggies are so versatile.
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 10:42 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Did you make your own kimchi? I really want to try that!
Andrea @ Vegvacious
April 11, 2012 at 2:09 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Those boats are such a great idea! So easy to make and they look so fancy
I also love your smoothie combo – I just might make that tomorrow as my post-workout breakie.
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 10:45 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! Let me know how you like the shake if you make it!
Sara @my less serious life
April 11, 2012 at 2:52 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
um, those endive boats are so pretty! entertainint worthy that’s for sure!
Laura @ LauraLivesLife
April 11, 2012 at 4:45 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I always double up in bags – I hate wasting a new bag when I have a perfectly good half-full one I can use. Mixed food is better then waste. It could also be because I am lazy!
Great recipe and delicious veggie filled eats! Looks amazing and delicious as always!
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 1:46 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Shhhh…. my recycling may have been more out of laziness than hippie-ness.
Corey @ Learning Patience
April 11, 2012 at 5:44 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
oh i love that endive idea…looks fab!
xoxo from Trinidad
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness
April 11, 2012 at 6:27 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Everything looks delicious! Especially the pizza
[Fitness, Health and Happiness]
Carrie
April 11, 2012 at 9:44 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Those endive boats are SO CUTE! They would be great for a party!
Jamie
April 11, 2012 at 9:59 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The boats are very pretty!
Hannah
April 11, 2012 at 11:05 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ohmygosh, I remember buying those vegeatble souffles at Zabar’s and eating them cold in my hotel room in New York!!!
I want to be back there.
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 2:01 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
You ate them cold?! I’m intrigued…
Hannah
April 12, 2012 at 6:33 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It was a matter of necessity – no kitchen or storage in the hotel. The same reason I was *forced* to eat entire pints of ice cream in one sitting
Holly
April 12, 2012 at 3:07 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Asparagus and raspberries? My interest is piqued.
Also like the sound of that pizza. I was going to make a pizza tonight…
As for veggies, I’m not sure I could eat any more veggies than I usually do already, but probably I could probably do with more greens…
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 2:22 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
They’re really good together! I’m a huge fan of mixing fruits in with my veggies.
Hotly Spiced
April 12, 2012 at 5:51 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The endive boats look amazing. And I’m sure the taste was incredible with all the different colours and textures and flavours. Little boats made from endive is a great idea – I might have to ‘borrow’ that! And what a great challenge to set for yourself. I know I certainly need to eat a wider variety and a greater quantity of vegetables xx
Laura
April 12, 2012 at 2:23 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! Please do borrow the idea… I’d love to see what flavor combos you come up with!
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi)
April 14, 2012 at 7:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Cool endive boats! Everything for the wedding shower looks fantastic! I’m catering my first little party in May and I am starting to collect little ideas for the festivities. I might just steal/borrow/use your endive boat idea
I tried those garden lites a few times… I just can’t seem to like them. I think they are really salty and they stay wet in the middle no matter how long I cook them. le sigh. It’s too bad. I really want to like them.
Laura
April 14, 2012 at 2:42 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That’s so exciting! I can’t wait to see what you serve. What kind of even is it?
Zucchini Pasta with Raw (vegan) Alfredo Sauce » Sprint 2 the Table | Sprint 2 the Table
April 20, 2012 at 7:00 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
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