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Fall Vegetable Salad
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3.50 from 2 votes

Fall Vegetable Salad

Prep Time30 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 200kcal

Equipment

  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Fork
  • Peeler
  • Large saucepan with lid
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Small skillet

Ingredients

  • 1 cup barley whole grain couscous, or quinoa
  • 1 medium bulb fennel
  • 1 bunch hearty greens such as kale, chard, collard greens or beet greens
  • 1 small beet
  • 1 medium firm apple
  • 1 clove garlic
  • ½ cup nuts or seeds such as pecans, almonds, or walnuts
  • 1 medium lemon
  • ¼ cup cider vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ cup canola oil
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 ounces cheese, such as blue, goat, or Cheddar cheese optional

Instructions

  • Cook grains following package directions. Transfer to a large bowl. Prepare rest of salad while you let grains cool completely.
  • Rinse fennel, greens, beet and apple.
  • Cut any long stalks and fronds of fennel. Quarter fennel and cut out core. Slice thinly.
  • Remove stems from greens. Stack leaves together, roll into a thick log, and slice thinly.
  • Peel and cut beet into ¼-inch cubes. Cut apple into ¼ cubes.
  • Peel and mince garlic.
  • If using, crumble cheese or cut into 1/4-inch cubes
  • In a small skillet over medium-low heat, add nuts or seeds. Cook until fragrant, 3-5 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl to cool.
  • Rinse and cut lemon in half. In a small bowl, squeeze juice. Discard any seeds.
  • Add vinegar, minced garlic and mustard to lemon juice. Whisk with a fork to combine. While whisking, slowly drizzle in oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  • When grains are cool, add fennel, greens, beet and apple. Drizzle with dressing and toss to combine. Sprinkle with the toasted nuts and cheese, if using.

Video

Notes

Vary the vegetables according to what you have on hand and what’s in season. Carrots, cabbage, pears, celery and dried fruit work nicely.
Add leftover cooked chicken, roast beef, or beans for added protein. Serve as a 4-person entrée.
Use any apples you like, such as Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or Fuji.
If your fennel comes with the feathery “fronds” still on it, you can finely chop and add some to salad to give it an extra punch of flavor.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.