This salad gets it’s name from the four main ingredients, Arugula, Gorgonzola, Cashews, and Granny Smith Apples. I decided on the name 4 Kings because to me, each ingredient is the king of their class when it comes to boldness of taste.
Arugula has a strong nutty taste and can carry the other bold flavors without losing it’s own distinctive contribution to the salad. It makes the perfect base for the salad.
Gorgonzola adds a strong sharpness, but doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients. It also has a subtle nuttiness that adds to the complexity of the nutty flavors of the cashews and arugula.
Cashews, while adding to the nutty flavor of this salad, also add a bit of sweetness, crunch, and weightiness from their oil.
Granny Smith Apples, though somewhat tart, actually add just enough sweetness to balance the tartness of the Gorgonzola.
Balsamic Vinaigrette rounds out the salad with a balance of sweet and tart.
Together these ingredients provide this salad with a big taste, plus it’s very filling. It makes a great side dish, but it’s robust enough to have as a meal, even dinner.
This salad is very quick and easy to make. Preparation time is less than 10 minutes.
Ingredients for 4 meal sized salads
- 5 oz. bag of Baby Arugula
- 1/3 cup of Gorgonzola cheese
- 1/3 cup sliced roasted and salted cashews
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple cut in half, cored and sliced as thinly as possible
- 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons of robust olive oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions:
- Put the Arugula into a large serving bowl and stir in the Balsamic. Be sure to mix thoroughly. Then, add the oil and mix again. Note: it is important to add the vinegar first because it prevents the oil from wilting the Arugula.
- Add the other ingredients
- Toss the ingredients together and sprinkle on the black pepper. Serve.
If you like all four of the main ingredients in this salad, you will absolutely LOVE them together. I can’t get over how completely satisfying and filling this salad is.
You simply have to try it!!!
Brian at Daddy Go To Timeout
P.S.
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