WRIC Richmond News and Weather - Mixed Greens, Apples, Pears, Dried Cranberries and Blueberries, Dates, Cashews, Avocado

Mixed Greens, Apples, Pears, Dried Cranberries and Blueberries, Dates, Cashews, Avocado

MIXED GREENS, APPLES, PEARS, DRIED CRANBERIIES AND BLUEBERRIES, DATES, CASHEWS, AVOCADO, AND FETA CHEESE
4 to 6 servings

• 4 to 6 cups crisp mixed salad greens (bibb or Boston or leaf lettuce or a combination, curly endive, arugula, red cabbage or radicchio and other greens of choice), or romaine lettuce, core removed and torn into bite-size pieces (all cleaned and dried)
• 1 to 2 firm ripe apple(s), unpeeled, cored, seeds removed, cut into thin wedges and immediately sprinkled with lemon juice to prevent discoloration (see note)
• 1 to 2 firm ripe pear(s) (Bartlett or Bosc, or Anjou variety), unpeeled, cored, seeds removed, cut into thin wedges, and immediately sprinkled with lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
• 1 to 2 firm ripe avocado(s), peeled, seed(s) removed, cut into bite-size pieces, and immediately sprayed with lemon juice to prevent discoloration
• ½ cup dried sweetened cranberries
• ½ cup dried blueberries
• ½ cup chopped pitted dates
• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 to 2 tablespoon(s) balsamic vinegar
• About ¾ cup cashew nuts
• 5 ounces feta cheese, coarsely crumbled, (optional)
• Salt to taste (optional)
• Freshly ground white or black pepper to taste (optional)

Prepare salad greens and fruits.  Place in a large salad bowl.  Add half of the apple wedges, half of the pear wedges, half the avocado, half of the dates, half of the cranberries and blueberries, and half of the cashews; add olive oil and balsamic vinegar, tossing mixture lightly.  Taste and add salt and pepper, if desired.  Toss salad mixture again.  Top with remaining apple and pear wedges, avocado, dates, cranberries, blueberries, and cashews.  Garnish with the cheese, if desired. Serve immediately. 

Variations: May toast nuts, if desired. 

                    Omit feta cheese and garnish salad with 3 to 4 ounces cubed or shredded smoked Provolone or mozzarella or sharp Cheddar or Swiss or Monterey Jack cheese or other cheese, as desired.

                    Add pomegranate seeds to salad mixture as desired.