Isn't it funny how the best things can happen entirely by chance? I usually make recipes that have plenty of reviews and positive feedback. If I'm going to buy groceries and invest time in the kitchen- it better be worth my while. That's logical enough, no?
Unfortunately, a lot of good food is lost in that logic. Just because a recipe comes from a lesser known chef, book, or blog (cough cough)- doesn't mean it's not delicious!
Instead of running to a book or blog, I made this salad on the fly. Sitting on the back porch, reading the ol' Kindle (never used one before- my brain is still trippin by this concept), and taking in the beautiful weather- it would have been a crime to leave. Poked my head in the kitchen quickly and looked around.
There were dried tart cherries for a Chocolate Cherry bread I'm dying to create. Panera was the first to introduce me to this bread and I fell in love. Then they discontinued it. Way go to Panera. A close second is the version from Wegmans. Sublime!
An avocado was hanging out on the counter. A big bag of broccoli and mixed field greens in the fridge. Some left over apple chicken sausage from breakfast a weekend ago.Sounds like the makings of a random salad to me!
The standard issue dressing is azeite and vinegra (olive oil and vinegar) with some salt/pepper. Not this day! Crossed my fingers and made one from scratch.
Okay. Now I'm not being biased... but this salad combination is effing fantastic. The tart cherries compliment the apple sausage. The avocado smooths the broccoli flavor. And the peanut dressing? Drizzle oh so lightly atop- it's the bow that ties everything together. You don't need much at all because of the smoothness of the avocado and sweetness of the cherries. It's not a lot of ingredients- but each one is full of flavor.Healthy, light, and full of flavor. Best part is- you determine the serving size! Most of these ingredients you can find at the salad bar at the grocery store or the bulk food section. There's no need to buy a big bag of cherries or a huge thing of salad that's just going to go bad. Grab what you need and bring it home!
Hope you like!
Bang On Salad
Mixed green lettuce
Fresh avocado
Raw broccoli
Chicken Apple Sausage
Dried tart cherries
Mix lettuce with chopped avocado, cherries, and broccoli.
Warm sausage in microwave or on skillet for a minute or two, until fragrant. Toss on top of salad.
Drizzle dressing lightly on top.
Peanut Dressing
adapted from Bobby Flay
2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar or white vinegar
1-2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
1 teaspoons garlic chili sauce
1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
1/2 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1/4 cup canola oil or vegetable oil
Mix it all together in a cup; add additional soy and honey to taste.
