Sunday, February 28, 2010

Spinach, Fennel & Apple Salad with Cider Vinaigrette

This is my all-time favorite salad!  I just love fennel and so does my son.  We eat a lot of fennel at our house.  See my Fennel 101 primer if you are not familiar with this delicious vegetable.  I am sure it will become a favorite at your house, too!

Spinach, Fennel & Apple Salad with Cider Vinaigrette
adapted from a September 2009 Bon Appetit recipe

½ cup unfiltered apple cider
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 Tablespoon honey
1 large Granny Smith apple, quartered, cored and thinly sliced
2 medium-size fresh fennel bulb, trimmed, thinly sliced
4 cups of arugula (about 6 ounces) or spinach
½ cup toasted pecans
kosher salt
freshly ground pepper

Whisk first 4 ingredients bowl to blend – season with salt and pepper. Combine apple, fennel, arugula (or spinach), and pecans in large bowl. Toss with enough dressing to coat.