Alfresco Layered Salad

Watercress, curly endive and escarole all have the spine to stand up to onion, fennel and oil-cured olives.

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Watercress, curly endive and escarole all have the spine to stand up to onion, fennel and oil-cured olives.

Servings
6

Ingredients

Salad

  • 1 3/4 cups chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 4 cups chopped dandelion greens
  • 1 cup pitted, coarsely chopped, oil-cured olives
  • 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 4 navel oranges, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
  • 1 cup low-fat Swiss-style cheese or goat gouda cheese
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped toasted pecans
  • 2 cups diced fennel

Dressing

  • 5 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3 cup sherry vinegar
  • 6 Tbs. chopped fresh mint

Preparation

To make Salad: Layer ingredients in 3-quart, straight-sided glass bowl, starting with chickpeas, then in order spread one-third dandelion greens followed by all olives and onions. Top with another one-third greens and with half orange slices. Sprinkle cheese over oranges, and top with nuts and fennel. Cover salad with remaining oranges and greens.

To make Dressing: Whisk dressing ingredients together until well blended. Drizzle over salad, and serve.

Wine Suggestions

Many of the ingredients in this salad are wine-loving foods: Beans, greens, cheeses, nuts and oils. When pairing the salad with wine, focus on these foods but also consider the tartness of the oranges and the sherry vinegar. A slightly acidic, medium-body Chardonnay would pair nicely with the finished dish.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories 460
  • Carbohydrate Content 35 g
  • Cholesterol Content 5 mg
  • Fat Content 31 g
  • Fiber Content 11 g
  • Protein Content 14 g
  • Saturated Fat Content 4 g
  • Sodium Content 380 mg
  • Sugar Content 12 g

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