Monday, September 29, 2014

Autumn fallen fruit salad . . .


 



Most people think of eating salads in the Spring and Summer, but there are also a few notable Fall salads worth sharing as well.

One of my favorite Fall salads of all time is Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with cranberries and candied walnuts. It's amazing! Have you tried it yet?

And then there's this light and delicious salad inspired by Fall's ripest fruits, aka 'fallen fruits' . . .  like apples, pomegranates, and walnuts. 

Add chopped roasted chicken and serve with a fresh, warm baguette . . . and you have the makings of a wonderful Fall inspired lunch or dinner. Yum!




Autumn fallen fruit salad
.     .     .     .     .     .
1 head Romaine lettuce, torn
handful arugula
1/2 cups walnuts, chopped
1 apple, thinly sliced
1 1/2 cups roasted and chopped chicken
salt & pepper
1 cup pomegranate seeds
*you can substitute dried cranberries if you can't find pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup tarragon leaves
1/2 cup crumbled Gorgonzola or blue cheese
.     .     .     .     .     .
Place Romaine and arugula in a salad bowl.
Add enough vinaigrette to coat leaves and toss.
Add walnuts, apple slices, chicken, and remaining dressing; toss again.
Season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with pomegranate seeds, tarragon and cheese.






dressing
.     .     .     .     .     .
2 Tablespoons cider vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 Tablespoon finely chopped shallot
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/3 cup olive oil
salt & pepper
.     .     .     .     .     .
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Gradually whisk in oil.
Season to taste with salt and pepper.






 




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14 comments:

  1. This is a lovely salad. I don't know why, I love arugula when I have it in restaurant, but I hate it when I use it at home for my salad because it's so bitter all the time.... I just don't understand...

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    Replies
    1. Hi Ordinary J! I love arugula too, but only when it's balanced with sweet/salty/and-or tangy flavors. These flavors off-set the bitterness. That's one of the reasons it tastes best when paired with a sweeter lettuce, and/or a sour/tangy dressing (like a vinaigrette) that has an acid in it, like orange juice or cider vinegar.
      All by itself, arugula can be too bitter . . . but paired in a balanced salad . . . it can be a wonderfully peppery compliment. So remember to add some sweet leafy greens, Parmesan shavings for a salty bite, and a vinaigrette for tang.
      And if you're wanting an arugula leaves only salad, then be sure and lots of sweet tomatoes & veggies, salty Parmesan, and a tangy vinaigrette to help tame the bitterness.
      I hope that helps!
      Have a great week,
      Suzanne

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  2. This salad looks amazing...

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  3. Anonymous7:54 AM

    The salad looks wonderful...love the combo of apples, blue cheese, and walnuts. Can you tell me where you found the tiny carafes for dressing? Love those!

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  4. Suzanne...your artful presentation of the salad is extraordinary!
    Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with us at Project Inspire{d}!

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  5. You have a way of making salads look amazing Suzanne. This is so fresh and inviting :-)

    Thanks for sharing at Marvelous Monday on Smart Party Planning!

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  6. This is just what I'm wanting for fall! I love all of these ingredients and a good salad is my favorite lunch.

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  7. Your photos are just beautiful! I love salads like this and make similiar ones all year too!!! Came over from Katherine's Corner.

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  8. I love cranberries and apples in a salad and this recipe has my mouth watering! #KatherinesCorner

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  9. So happy you shared this recipe and I want to try the Butternut one also. I love the crisp of apples added for Fall! Thanks for joining SYC. Your photos are always gorgeous!
    hugs,
    Jann

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  10. Anonymous4:43 AM

    This salad sounds great, I love the seasonal ingredients. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again. Have a great day!! Laura@Baking in Pyjamas

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  11. This right here is one of the main reasons I love fall food so much. I still remember the first time my sister served a salad very similar, and I've been a super fan ever since. Yum, yum, and yum.

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  12. I've been trying to do more salads as meals! This one makes the cut for sure. Pinning !

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  13. Your salad looks beautiful and delicious!
    I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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