When planning a meal, I enjoy the challenge of finding side dishes that coordinate with the entree. So, when we decided to make Blueberry Salsa-Topped Chicken, I began to consider options. With a variety of herbs and blueberries in the salsa and lime marinating with the chicken, I didn’t want to serve anything that would detract from these flavors. Plus, the main dish was fairly light, so I wanted to continue with that feel.

I decided to make a salad with a light dressing. As we would spend our afternoon shopping, I also wanted it to be a salad that had few ingredients, so it would be ready within minutes. As my friends and family know, I am a huge fan of caesar salad, which does have few ingredients, but tonight I wanted to try something different.

While shopping we found a head of escarole that looked wonderfully tender. We also purchased some champagne vinegar which would be a good basis for the dressing. Using just a few other ingredients from our pantry, a tasty salad would be made.

The salad and dressing were made in less than 5 minutes. Together they made a superb accompaniment to the chicken.

Escarole and Pecan Salad

1/2 head escarole, rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces

1/3 cup pecan halves

Champagne vinaigrette*

Divide escarole among 2 plates. Sprinkle with pecan halves. Add dressing.

Serves 2.

*Champagne Vinaigrette

3/4 cup champagne vinegar

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 Tb. dijon mustard

2 – 3 Tb. honey

1 shallot, finely minced

salt and pepper

Combine vinegar, olive oil, mustard, honey, shallot, salt, and pepper in a cruet. Cover and shake well.