Baby Greens Salad with Accoutrements

From time to time, my body just craves something light and healthy.  I don't know if it's the yoga I've started doing or the warmer, longer days, but this weekend was a good time to eat light.  And this salad hit the spot.  I've said it before, but salads can be really good or really boring.  I like to experiment with different fruit and veggies, nuts and cheeses in my salads - there are many winning combinations.  This salad is sweet and tropical with golden brown chicken and a satisfying crunch.  

Baby Greens Salad with Accoutrements

Baby Greens

Chicken, sliced (grilled, pan-fried or rotisserie)

Gorgonzola Cheese

Strawberries, sliced

Mandarin Orange wedges

Nuts (almonds, pistachios or pecans)

Champaign Vinaigrette (or your favorite dressing)

Salt & Pepper

In an extra large bowl, toss the mixed greens in a couple tablespoons of the salad's dressing.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.  (This is how they do it in a restaurant; so the salad is completely coated, but not soggy).  

Transfer the greens to a plate and top with the chicken, cheese, fruit and nuts.  Top with more dressing and salt & pepper.  

Apple Gorgonzola Salad

Have you ever said to yourself, “man, I could really go for some lettuce!?”  I didn’t think so.  Let’s face it - salads can be boring.  A bag of chopped iceberg.  Maybe some slivers of carrots.  Smothered in Ranch dressing.  No wonder we don’t crave them. 

Let me help reintroduce you to the “composed salad.”  My aunt Carrie once made a most delicious salad comprised of spinach, strawberries, nuts and poppy seed dressing.  A simple and beautiful combination of delightful and healthy flavors hiding amongst a spectrum of leafy greens.  I forgot all about those bags of shredded lettuce and branched out.  Dried fruit, fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, cheeses, croutons, meat and even fish can transform and complete any bowl of lettuce or spinach or arugula.  Be creative and try something unusual.  You'll be surprised by how fresh and satisfying a bowl of salad can be. 

This salad is a simple version of what I see in restaurants all the time.  It’s fresh, sweet and exotic with just the right amount of umph.  To make this salad a meal, add some shredded chicken.  And please, throw away that bag of “garden salad” that you have in your fridge.  Right now. 

1 Fuji apple, very thinly sliced

Gorgonzola cheese

Candied walnuts

Mixed greens (the darker green, the more nutritious)

Marsala Vinaigrette, recipe follows

Place a handful of mixed greens on your plate and top with each ingredient.  Drizzle with vinaigrette. 

Marsala Vinaigrette: 

Marsala wine

Vinegar

Sugar

Mayonnaise

Salt & Pepper

Wisk all ingredients together until thoroughly combined.  Season to taste.