Arugula Apple Salad with Citrus Mango Dressing

On New Years Eve, we were in Chicago ringing in 2012.  We had dinner at 676 Restaurant on Michigan Avenue.  It's a farm to table restaurant with as much local items as possible.  We had several courses for dinner but one of our favorites was the Heirloom Apple Salad.  I took note of all of the flavors and vowed to try to recreate it.  I think I just did them proud...

When we ate this, we sank back in our chairs and agreed it tasted pretty darn close.  The peppery bite of the arugula is cut with the tartness of the granny smith apple, the nutty kick of asiago and smoky undertones of bacon...all brought together by the sweetness of the citrus mango dressing.  We can't be in Chicago all the time but we can sure enjoy that wonderful salad.  If you find yourself in Chi-town, swing by 676 Restaurant and enjoy some great food!  In the meantime, make my salad inspired by theirs.  Here's what you'll need:

For the salad:
1 1/2 cups arugula (preferably Whole Foods, sadly TJ's was too bitter on this front)
1/2 ounce of asiago cheese, julienned
1 ounce granny smith apple, julienned
1/2 slice of Trader Joe's center cut uncured bacon, cooked & crumbled
Fresh ground black pepper

For the dressing:
4 ounces of Simply Orange with Mango juice
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp basil
1 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tbsp ground ginger
1/2 tsp white pepper

In a small plastic bowl with a lid, combine all ingredients for the dressing.  Shake well and set aside.

In a medium bowl, add the arugula and 1 tbsp of dressing.  Toss to coat all of the leaves evenly.  Plate the arugula, top with julienned granny smith apple, asiago cheese and sprinkle the bacon evenly.  Grind some pepper over the top.  Reserve the rest of the dressing for use within 1 week, giving a shake before each use.

This is easily one of my favorite salads and I'm not a big salad eater so I hope you like it!

Nutritional Information for entire salad:  Calories  134  Fat 8g  Sat Fat 4g  Poly Fat 1g  Cholesterol 20mg  Sodium 185mg  Potassium 227mg  Carbs 10g  Fiber 2g  Protein 5g  Vitamin A 25%  Vitamin C 21%  Calcium 17%  Iron 6%

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