“Power Mix Chopped Salad with Apple Vinaigrette”

Every year after the holiday season, you try and get back on track with better eating habits. Right? I feel you and I’ve got you covered with this Power Mix Chopped Salad with Apple Vinaigrette.

I served this spectacular salad on Christmas day and knew this recipe needed to be shared. After trying several versions, this salad came to be. My family was over-the-moon the fresh, crunchy salad with its acidic simple vinaigrette. You’ll find yourself dying to try a bite even before the salad is ready to serve. Go ahead…knock yourself out! SOOOO good, I promise.

Power Mix Chopped Salad with Apple Vinaigrette

So, what is in this glorious salad that looks so enticing? This is the story… I needed to feed 11 people and I wanted a chopped salad with a dressing that would complement a beautiful ham. Instead of chopping a bunch of romaine lettuce which would take forever, I found Josie’s Organics. My brain was creating a recipe as I stood in the produce aisle.

I decided to use Josie’s Organics because the power mix is cabbage, kale, broccoli and carrots. Add in a couple cups of chopped romaine for soft texture yet still crisp and base salad complete. Understand the broccoli and carrots are long strips. I try and break them up before adding other ingredients, however, not necessary. Do what you like as the pieces are small.

Power Mix Chopped Salad with Apple Vinaigrette

Next, you can use either Anjou, bartlett, or red pears in the salad. I prefer the Anjou if you can find them. As far as the apple, use something you like to eat with a crisp texture and sweet. I chose an Envy apple, yet Fuji or Gala apples will do.

Red onion is your friend here, adding a slight kick and Salad Pizazz makes great fruit-nut toppings for salads. Mind you, you can make your own honeyed pecans and add cranberries or cherries to the salad.

Well, why bother if you find something else to meet your needs and I did. Salad Pizazz can be found in the salad dressing aisle of your market. Purchase fresh feta cheese if your market carries it and if not, choose a quality brand like Murray’s. Hopefully you can find Murray’s easily.

Power Mix Chopped Salad with Apple Vinaigrette

I recommend making the apple vinaigrette ahead of time for flavors to meld. That said, if you’re serving the salad for dinner, letting the vinaigrette sit at room temperature is just fine. Store in refrigerator should you make the salad in the next day or two. Vinaigrette will last up to 1 week or more. Shake to combine before using.

You will need a very large bowl to toss the salad and I use my hands. Yes, they were clean. (smile) Once your salad is combined, toss with apple vinaigrette. You will not need all the dressing unless you like your salad swimming in dressing. I prefer to toss salad once and let salad rest for about 20 minutes, toss again adding more dressing and serve.

Power Mix Chopped Salad with Apple Vinaigrette

This chopped salad is a great way to start off January on the right foot. I think this salad gets better as it sits and pairs great with any meat or seafood. However, this salad can be enjoyed on its own as an entree. You’ll find this chopped salad just as delicious as my family. Checkout some of my other salads like “Kale Pomegranate Salad”, “Chopped Greek Salad with Homemade Greek Dressing”, and “Lemony Broccoli Salad” to try.

You’ll get a a different bite with every forkful, closing your eyes while you savor each bite. The vinaigrette is so good you could drink it. The apple cider vinegar is the twang factor, and the honey doesn’t overpower with sweetness. Feel free to add, omit or change ingredients to your liking but I bet you leave this recipe as is and file under repeat. Enjoy!

Power Mix Chopped Salad with Apple Vinaigrette

 

Power Mix Chopped Salad with Apple Vinaigrette

1 – 10 oz. package Josie’s Organics Power Mix

2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

1 Anjou, bartlett, or red pear, chopped

1 Envy or another red apple, chopped

4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/2 cup chopped red onion

1/2 cup Salad Pizazz cherry-cranberry-pecan mix

1/3 cup Murray’s crumbled feta cheese

Vinaigrette:

1/3 cup olive oil

1/3 cup apple juice

1/3 cup apple cider vinegar

3 T. honey

1/4 t. freshly ground black pepper

Pinch of salt, to taste

 

To make vinaigrette: Combine oil, juice, vinegar, honey and pepper in a salad dressing shaker or mason jar. Add in salt to taste, if using. Vinaigrette can stay at room temperature for a while. However, refrigerate if making a day or two ahead until ready to serve.

To make salad: In a large serving bowl, toss together power mix, romaine, pear, apple, bacon, red onion, cranberry-pecan mix, and feta cheese.

Pour in desired amount of vinaigrette, tossing to coat entire salad. You will have vinaigrette leftover for another salad. Allow salad to sit for at least 20 minutes, tossing again before serving. Serve chopped salad as a complete meal or side.

Refrigerate any leftover salad which may last up to 2 days. Extra vinaigrette can be stored up to 1 week.

 

Makes about 4 entree salads or 6 side salads.