House Salad – Agf Recipe

Wash and dry

Rinse the spring mix and kale thoroughly under cold water. Spin in a salad spinner or pat dry with clean kitchen towels until mostly dry so dressing will cling.

Remove tough kale stems and stack leaves, roll and slice into thin ribbons (chiffonade). Trim Brussels sprouts, then slice them thinly on a mandoline or with a sharp knife to yield thin shreds. Thinly slice red onion into half-moons and separate into rings.

If using packaged sliced beets, drain well and pat dry. If roasting fresh beets, roast at 400°F (200°C) wrapped in foil until tender (40–60 minutes depending on size), cool, peel, and thinly slice before using.

In a large mixing bowl, combine 4 cups spring mix, 1 cup sliced kale, 1 cup shredded Brussels sprouts, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1/2 cup sliced beets. Toss gently to combine.

In a small bowl or jar, combine 3 tablespoons sherry vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Whisk briefly to dissolve the mustard and salt.

Slowly drizzle in 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil while whisking continuously to emulsify. If the dressing seems too thick, whisk in up to 1 tablespoon water to reach desired consistency.

Taste and adjust seasoning — add a pinch more salt or a touch more honey if you prefer sweeter dressing. Keep dressing at room temperature until ready to dress the salad.

Just before serving, pour approximately 2–3 tablespoons of the sherry vinaigrette over the large bowl of greens and vegetables (use more or less to taste). Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all leaves and shreds evenly. Start with less dressing; you can always add more.

Scatter 1/2 cup crumbled feta and 1/2 cup roughly chopped candied pecans over the tossed salad. Gently toss one more time to distribute cheese and nuts without crushing them.

Transfer to individual plates or a single serving bowl. Taste and finish with a light grind of black pepper or an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.