Caramelized Onion and Gorgonzola Salad

This is my favorite salad and has been for the last few years. Let's just say I make it A LOT and I could probably eat it everyday. It's the perfect combination of sweet, salty, crunchy and tangy all mixed together in a fresh salad. It's simple to make and it's a perfect first course. 

Because there are so few ingredients, it's important to use the best you can find. I buy a raw gorgonzola that I get at Whole Foods (their brand) and it's so good. It's creamy and not too strong. I also use a really good balsamic vinegar that's been aged a bit which makes it slightly thicker and sweeter. I use organic, fresh baby greens. The walnuts are slightly sweet and really crunchy. The onions...let's not forget the onions. As you know, when you cook them for 20-30 minutes, the creamy sweetness comes through. Have I made you hungry yet? 

All I'm saying is that you need to try this salad. 

Caramelized Onion and Gorgonzola Salad 

Caramelized Onions:

1 large red onion, cut in half and then cut in 1/4 inch slices
2 tablespoon grapeseed oil (or canola)
2 tablespoon butter

Heat a sauté pan over medium heat, add your oil and butter. When hot, add the onion. Cook over medium heat for 5 munites, stirring frequently. Turn down the heat to medium low and let the onions cook, stirring occasionally. If they start to burn, turn the heat down lower. Let them cook for 20-30 minutes until soft and golden.

Salad:

1 bag of Baby Greens
1/2 cup gorgonzola cheese
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (if you can find glazed walnuts use these)
4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
6 tablespoons olive oil

In a large mixing bowl, add your lettuce, vinegar, olive oil (start with a little and add more if needed) and salt and pepper. Mix it well using your hands. Plate your salad. Sprinkle the cheese and nuts on top. Add your caramelized onions to each salad. Serve immediately. 

Print Recipe

Kale and Apple Salad

I know, kale you say...seriously? And it's raw? Yes and you'll like it. I promise. Believe me, I didn't think I would like it either but it's really good. It's become one of my new favorite salads. I even tested it out on a few friends and they liked it. Give it a shot, I think you'll be surprised.

The key here is the salad dressing and the apple. The dressing adds a touch of tartness and the apple (I like Pink Lady) adds sweetness. Your mouth will tingle with delight at all the different flavors. 

How was your holiday? Mine was really relaxing and fun. We had some really good laughs, food and wine...and I learned how to make a really good dirty martini. I sound like a serious drinker but I'm not. I do like an occasional good drink or glass of wine. I got to spend some quality time with my family and seriously spoil my niece and nephew, who I'm crazy about. They are growing up to be such good little people...smart and caring.

I'm sure everyone feels the same way when they come back from the holidays...kind of sad that they're over and that it's back to business/work/life as it was. Not that it's that bad. We all have crap to deal with but it's easy to think we're the only one that dealing with something difficult. When you spend time with others though, you realize we all have challenges and difficulties that we're dealing with. It reassuring to know that I'm not the only one.

Anyway, I'm babbling. Happy New Year to you all and thanks for visiting our blog. I hope you have a wonderful, happy 2013. Now eat your kale!

Kale and Apple Salad

Salad Dressing:

1/4 of a large white or yellow onion, roughly chopped

1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated

1/4 cup olive oil

1 teaspoon honey

1 lemon, juiced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

Salad:

1 bag of fresh chopped kale

2 Pink Lady apples, chopped in 1 inch cubes

1/2 cup raw walnuts

In a blender, add all the dressing ingredients and blend until smooth. Add kale to a large salad bowl and add dressing. Mix well to cover all the leaves. Add apple and walnuts, mix well. Let the salad sit for 10 minutes or more before serving to let the flavors mellow. 

Print Recipe