Antipasti Salad

Antipast Salad

Antipast Salad

Ingredients
Salad:

1/4 medium red onion, minced
1/2 medium fennel bulb, trimmed and cored
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
4 jarred roasted sweet red peppers, chopped (about 3&4 cup)
1 (6-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, rinsed, drained, and quartered, if whole
2 cups baby arugula
1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/4 cup kalamata olives, pitted (about 2 ounces)
1/2 to 1 cup freshly shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano

Dressing:

1 small garlic clove, peeled
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
Freshly ground black pepper
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions

Salad: Mellow the minced onion by soaking it in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well, pat dry, and put in a serving bowl.

The dressing: Smash the garlic clove, sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, and, with the side of a large knife, mash and smear the mixture to a coarse paste. Put paste in a bowl and add orange zest, vinegar, remaining 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper, to taste. Gradually whisk in the olive oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream to make a smooth, slightly thick dressing.

Using a handheld mandoline or a knife, cut the fennel lengthwise into long, thin slices. Add to the onion and toss with the chickpeas, peppers, artichoke hearts, arugula, parsley, and dressing. Scatter the olives and shave the Parmigiano-Reggiano over the top.

Mexican Chopped Salad with Toasted Cumin Vinaigrette

Mexican Salad

Mexican Salad

Ingredients

Cooking spray
2 ears fresh or frozen cob corn, thawed
4 reserved cooked chicken breast halves, diced
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained
1 cup Monterey Jack or pepper Jack cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Spanish olives, sliced
1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
1 Granny Smith apple, cored and diced
1/4 cup pickled jalapenos, sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 cup cider vinegar

Directions

Using a  grill pan or griddle with cooking spray, set over medium-high heat to preheat.

Place corn on hot pan and cook 3 to 5 minutes, until golden brown on all sides, turning frequently. Remove from heat and let cool. Slice kernels from cob when cool to handle. Transfer kernels to a large bowl and add chicken, beans, cheese, olives, tomatoes, apple, jalapenos, and cilantro. Toss to combine.
For the dressing:

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cumin and cook for 1 minute. Remove from heat and whisk in vinegar. Add dressing to chicken mixture and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.