ARUGULA SALAD W/ SHAVED FENNEL

Arugula is awesome!  If you have never tried arugula you have to go out to the store grab some and make this salad!  It is spicy and crisp and just the  best greens around.  I found this recipe on a blog that I follow (www.prouditaliancook.blogspot.com).  She always posts fresh, easy and true italian recipes.  This was the first salad I served family style at my parents 40th anniversary party.  It is super simple with just a few ingredients: arugula, shaved fennel, toasted walnuts, shaved parmesan all tossed with a simple balsamic vinegrette.  Although the recipe is super simple...the flavors are tremendous!


ARUGULA SALAD W/ SHAVED FENNEL 

• 5 cups arugula
• 1 cup thinly sliced fennel (white parts onlyl)
• 1 cup toasted walnuts
• 1/2 cup fresh shaved parmesan
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• salt, pepper and crushed red pepper to taste

1. Place arugula and sliced fennel in a bowl/platter.  Sprinkle toasted walnuts over the top.  Toss well.
2. Place shaved parmesan over the top of the greens.
3. In the meantime make the simple dressing:  in a small bowl add the balsamic vinegar.  Slowly add the olive oil while whisking quickly.  Add the salt, pepper and crushed red pepper to taste.  Whisk well.
4. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss well.  Serve immediately.