Idit’s Happy Rainbow Salad

On our canyon tour of Jordan we met some of the nicest people I have come across in a long time; friendly, easygoing, unpretentious and intelligent. One couple especially, Idit and Shlomo became the inspiration for the rest of us because they had a relationship which was……….I am not sure how to describe it, how do you describe a relationship which has been around the world and back? While walking in the canyons, my husband put it perfectly. A relationship is like the canyon, with the gushing water flowing over the boulders and rocks, smoothing and sculpting them. Over time the contours of the rocks direct the flow of the water, so that each element influences the other, without losing their individual characteristics. Sometimes the two diverge, sometimes meeting up again, each finding their own way.

In the tour bus, our young single guide would explain about geology, geography, politics and history but made the mistake of thinking himself an expert on relationships as well. We were all listening to him politely, waiting for him to finish his philosophy, thinking “What is this dude talking about?” (well, I was thinking this, perhaps the others didn’t even bother), everyone in the group had been through much more than he could imagine.

Idit organized a get together last weekend in Geva HaCarmel with all our friends from Jordan. Although Idit and Shlomo were the oldest couple in the group and grandparents to five beautiful children they behaved more like enthusiastic college students without the beer guzzling immaturity. They were spunky and easygoing with a broad range of interests which included art, history and agriculture to name just a few. In fact, everyone on our trip was down to earth, friendly and interesting and we are already talking about our next trip together.

When we arrived at their house, I was surprise at the quality and diversity of Shlomo’s art projects decorating the yard. It was a truly enjoyable evening, with the setting sun, friends and delicious food.

Idit’s Happy Rainbow Salad

When Idit called to invite me to her house I asked her if she wanted me to make anything. “No, No I can get everything done and it is something I like to do”. Indeed, she must like it a lot because she made so much food my husband asked if another ten people were invited. What struck me the most from all the salads she made, besides all of them, is this colorful vegetable salad so vibrant and happy with color. I would say that this also describes Idit pretty well, vibrant and happy.

1 of each,red, yellow and green bell peppers, chopped

1 can, or equivalent of wine marinated black olives

1 can cucumber pickles

2 baskets of button mushrooms, sautéed slightly in olive oil, or can of mushrooms

1/2 purple onion, chopped

Sauce

4 tablespoon of olive oil

Juice of 1/2 of a lemon

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, with whole seeds

Combine all the vegetables together. Whisk together the sauce and pour over vegetables and mix.