Trader Joe's Tuesday -- Laguna Inspired Chopped Salad

We went to Laguna last weekend and had the most amazing salad which inspired this:


Laguna Chopped Salad

Veggie/Fruit Section
Cooked Beets
American Salad Mix

Cheese Section
Gorgonzola Crumbled Cheese

Dried Fruit/Nuts Section
Dried Cranberries
Toasted Pine Nuts

The secret is in the chopping. Having just been to Alaska, I got a new Ulu knife, which is such a fabulous kitchen tool, but any good chopping knife will do. Chop up the salad into tiny bite-sized pieces. Chop up the beets into tiny bite-sized pieces. Then chop up the cranberries and pine nuts together (it actually is easier to chop them together, believe it or not). And, yes, they are small already, but you want to chop them down even smaller. Toss all the chopped things together with the already crumbled cheese and dressing. Add salt & pepper to taste, and you are done with another fresh, beach-inspired salad!

I dress with lemon & olive oil, but you can do your favorite vinaigrette, or just a drizzle of balsamic and olive oil....your choice.

Buon appetito!