Boston Butter, Pomegranate, Orange and Fennel Salad with Orange Champagne and Pistachio Vinaigrette

During the winter I'm much more likely to fire up the oven and bake then to pull greens out and make a salad and unfortunately the scales and my favorite jeans back me up.   It is very difficult to make low fat cookies and cakes that taste good without all the butter and other fattening ingredients.  The challenge is to make healthy foods taste better and vary the ingredients enough so that you look forward to eating that yummy salad instead.

We have had quite the time using up little bits of left over ingredients after the holidays.  Every time I open the refrigerator I try to think of ways to use them up.  Today it is a lovely salad with Boston Butter Lettuce, Pomegranate Seeds, Shaved Fennel, Pistachios and Blue Cheese Crumbles.  I also made a very light orange champagne vinaigrette. 

Orange Champagne Vinaigrette

Whisk together:
1/2 teaspoon orange rind
2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
1 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon chile caribe**
2 tablespoon champagne vinegar

 While whisking, gradually add:

1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Salad for four

1 head of Boston Butter or Boston Bib Lettuce - (the outside leaves are not as tender and delicious so these usually go in the compost)
1 orange cut in the supreme style (see my directions for Cara Cara Orange Salad)
1/4 bulb of fennel shaved very thin (I use a mandolin)
2 tablespoons pistachios (it is worth shelling them - I have not had any shelled pistachios that retain their flavor and texture)
2 tablespoons crumbled blue cheese
2 - 3 tablespoons of pomegranate seeds

Assemble the salad.  Lay several leaves of lettuce on the plate.  Follow this with the orange supremes, fennel, and pomegranate.  Drizzle with dressing and sprinkle on the cheese crumbles and pistachios.  Enjoy!

** Chili Caribe is a mild crushed flaked chili with 80% skin and 20% seeds.  It is available from a company in Denver called Italco.  You can use a mild chili instead.