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Apple Fennel Spring Salad

Nothing says spring quite like a nice crisp salad! Just to give you a little insight into Arizona weather, our average Spring day is likely comparable to most places summer days. And today was a hot one, 94 degrees to be exact. So an Apple Fennel Spring Salad was in order, and it definitely hit the spot.

When thinking about salads you have different types of salad people. You have the purists, people who just have greens and a vinaigrette. Maybe in Vegas, these people get a little wild and get a Caesar…. maybe. That my friends, is not me, everyday is salad Vegas. I happen to suffer from a disorder called “Impulsive Vegetable Buying Syndrome”. If I see something out of the norm, I buy it. While this makes for a typically high grocery bill, an interesting salad is just minutes away.

My twist on an Apple Fennel Spring Salad has some of my favorite flavors. I am a sucker for most cheeses, but as a general rule, the more offensive the smell is, the more I like it. So what if no one wants to kiss me in the next 12 hours, I still got to eat my cheese. For that reason, I used some tangy Gorgonzola which is one of my favorite combinations with apples. The fennel and arugula, just made it that much better. Because I was serving this meal as dinner, I added some seasoned chicken to my apple fennel spring salad to make it filling, but this dish would be just as nice without. Finally, this Apple Fennel Spring Salad is topped with a honey poppy seed dressing that lightly ties everything together and is a breeze to make.

Now for the health benefits:

Typically since salads main components are fresh produce, you most likely are getting some awesome nutrients to go along with them. This particular salad, obviously contains apples. And you know what they say, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Why is that you ask? Well, apples are packed with phytonutrients, which are key in eliminating disease-causing free radicals in the body. They are also high in dietary fiber, and may help in lowering bad cholesterol, which improves heart health. Not only does this Apple Fennel Spring Salad taste wonderful, but it will keep you on the right track with your health goals.

Well what are you waiting for? This little baby won’t make itself!

Print Recipe

Apple Fennel Spring Salad

Serves: 4

Cooking Time: 30 Min

Ingredients

• 2 Large Chicken Thighs, seasoned and seared, cut into small pieces
• 4 cups, Packed Arugula
• 1 Granny Smith Apple, thinly sliced
• 1 Fennel Bulb, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup, Walnuts, crushed
• 1/2 cup, Gorgonzola Cheese, crumbled
• Dressing:
• 1.5 tbsp, Honey
• 1 tsp, Dijon Mustard
• 3 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tsp, Poppy Seeds
• 1/3 cup, Olive Oil

Instructions

1

Pre-heat Oven to 400 degrees

2

To sear chicken thighs, heat medium saute pan until very hot

3

Be sure to season both sides of chicken meat with salt and pepper

4

Carefully place thighs in pan once hot and allow bottom to cook until golden brown about 2-4 minutes, flip and repeat on opposite side

5

Place chicken in oven safe dish and cook until meat reaches 165 degrees

6

For Salad, in large bowl add Arugula, sliced apples, and sliced fennel, toss and top with walnuts and Gorgonzola cheese Put in fridge to keep cold

7

In small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, poppy seeds, and apple cider vinegar, then slowly whisk in olive oil (before you add on salad be sure to mix or shake as dressing will separate)

8

Once chicken is done cooking, let rest for 5 minutes and slice

9

Place salad on plate top with chicken and dressing!

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