Heartland Chopped Salad Recipes

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Place a baking rack on a sheet pan and lay the bacon slices on the rack. Roast the bacon for about 20 minutes, until nicely browned. Allow to cool.
• In a large bowl, toss together the arugula, apple, walnuts, cranberries, and blue cheese.
• For the dressing, whisk together the vinegar, orange zest, orange juice, mustard, maple syrup, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and the pepper in a bowl. Slowly whisk in the olive oil.
• Chop the bacon in large pieces and add it to the salad. Toss the salad with just enough dressing to moisten. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and toss well. Serve immediately.

Steps:

• Toss all salad ingredients together in a medium bowl. Mix together the vinegar and mustard. Slowly whisk in the olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Dress the salad with the vinaigrette and serve.

Steps:

• Cut carrots, potatoes, mushrooms, squashes, jicama, radishes and tomatoes into 1/2-inch dice. In large saucepan bring water to a boil. Blanch carrots and potatoes for 3 minutes. Drain and immediately plunge into iced water to stop the cooking. When cool, pat dry with paper towels and reserve. In large skillet heat olive oil. Add mushrooms and squashes and saute with 1/2 teaspoon of the salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper for 2 - 3 minutes. Remove from pan and spread on a cookie sheet to cool. In large bowl combine mushrooms, squashes, potatoes, carrots, radishes and tomatoes. In a blender combine 2/3 of the oregano, the remaining olive oil, red wine vinegar, remaining salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper, the chopped peppers and puree. Arrange lettuce leaves on individual plates, top with salad, surround with avocado and sprinkle with cheese. Pour dressing over vegetables. Serve with cracked black pepper garnish.
• In small bowl combine all ingredients. Serve over vegetables.