Chopped Salad With Bleu Cheese And Avocado Food

CHOPPED APPLE SALAD WITH TOASTED WALNUTS, BLUE CHEESE AND POMEGRANATE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Whisk together the pomegranate molasses, vinegar, mustard, honey and salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until emulsified.
• Combine the apples, spinach, endive, walnuts and blue cheese in a large bowl. Add the vinaigrette and toss to coat, season with salt and pepper, to taste.

AVOCADO-TOMATO SALAD WITH BACON AND BLUE CHEESE

Steps:

• Put the tomatoes in a large bowl and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper; set aside until juicy, about 20 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool slightly, then crumble into bite-size pieces.
• Pit and peel the avocado; cut into 1/2-inch pieces and toss with the lemon juice in a large bowl. Add the tomatoes and gently toss. Drizzle with the dressing and top with the bacon, chives and blue cheese.
• Puree 1/2 cup each crumbled blue cheese and sour cream, 1/3 cup buttermilk, 1 small garlic clove (smashed) and 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar in a blender. Transfer to a bowl and stir in 1/4 cup more blue cheese, 2 to 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce and/or hot sauce, and 1 tablespoon chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper. (Makes about 2 cups.)

CHOPPED SALAD WITH BLEU CHEESE AND AVOCADO

Steps:

• Combine the oil, vinegar, garlic, sugar, salt and pepper in a jar with a lid. Cover and shake to mix well.
• For the salad, place the lettuce in an oval or rectangular bowl. Arrange the tomato, bacon, onion, avocado, and cheese in rows over the lettuce.
• Drizzle with the vinaigrette and toss just before serving.

CHOPPED SALAD WITH CHICKPEAS, FETA AND AVOCADO

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the diced bread on a sheet pan, drizzle lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Toss, then bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until well toasted. Set aside to cool.
• Meanwhile, place the romaine pieces in a large mixing bowl, along with the chickpeas, cucumber, olives and scallions.
• In a small bowl, whisk together 6 tablespoons olive oil with the vinegar, capers, shallots, mustard, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and whisk well. Pour enough dressing over the salad to moisten; toss well. Add the avocado, feta and herbs and toss gently, adding more dressing to taste. Top with the croutons and a generous sprinkle of herbs and serve.

CHOPPED SALAD WITH BLEU CHEESE VINAIGRETTE

Steps:

• Place bacon in a medium heavy skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fat is rendered and bacon is crisp, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to paper towels to drain. Reserve bacon fat for another use (it's delicious for pan-frying hash browns), or discard.
• Whisk together vinegar and oil in a bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup cheese and chives, then season with salt and pepper.
• Toss lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon with vinaigrette; season to taste. Serve with remaining blue cheese and chives.