FALL FOR TASTEFUL SALADS

Family Features

Autumn schedules can set life into warp speed, so make dinner plans a snap with sensational new salad solutions that kick-start fresh meals and deliver big on flavor.

The surprising and delightful varieties of leafy greens now available can deliver a unique and fresh taste experience whether as a side salad or a meal. Adventurous salad eaters no longer have to settle for the so-so — instead they can find stand-out fresh salads with eye-catching colors, an array of textures and a perfect balance of sweet and bold flavors. The fresh-tasting salad blends from Fresh Express now in the produce aisle can be tossed in your favorite vinaigrette for a delicious side dish. Or, simply add rotisserie chicken to make it a satisfying entr e.

Ready-to-dress right out of the package, new premium lettuce blends can inspire fresh menus and delicious meals every day, right up to and including the holidays. Try these easy and flavorful tips:

UTop fancy greens with sliced roasted pork tenderloin and wedges of fresh plum; dress lightly with a ginger marinade and a pinch of sea salt.

UShred rotisserie chicken to top baby spinach and sliced red onion; dress with some chicken juices and a touch of vinegar.

UToss diced ham, golden raisins, peanuts and sweet tender greens with a curry-seasoned vinaigrette.

UGrill and slice fresh tuna to top tender ruby red lettuces; dress with a caper-laced creamy Caesar dressing and a grind of fresh black pepper.

The on-shelf line-up from salad innovator Fresh Express brings a welcome new dimension to autumn including exceptionally fresh blends not found anywhere else. New Fancy Greens combines romaine, tango, carrots and radicchio for a well-balanced flavorful salad in which every ingredient shines. Sophisticated Tender Leaf blends are harvested and grown only in select regions to ensure rich buttery flavor, melt-in-your-mouth texture, vibrant color and bite size leaves.

Unique and fresh flavors are just moments away when you start with salads that combine the colors, textures and gourmet ingredients to deliver a truly satisfying fresh flavor experience. For sensational and easy-to-make fresh salads check out www.FreshExpress.com.

Fancy Greens With Artichokes, Tomatoes and Sourdough Crisps in a Dijon Vinaigrette

Serves 4

1 7-ounce package Fresh Express Fancy Greens

1 14-ounce can quartered artichoke hearts in water (drained)

11‚Ñ2 cups pear, grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

1‚Ñ2 red onion, thinly sliced

16 1‚Ñ4-inch-thick slices of sourdough baguette

3 tablespoons olive oil

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Toss sourdough slices in olive oil and bake 12 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cook while you assemble the salad.

In a medium bowl, combine artichokes, tomatoes and red onion, and gently toss. Add your favorite Dijon vinaigrette and pour over artichoke mixture, and toss well to coat. To serve, gently fold in greens and warm sourdough crisps, lightly toss to coat, divide salad among four plates. (Serve it with a piece of grilled wild salmon for a sensational entr e salad.)

Smoked Turkey and Blue Cheese Salad

Serves 2

1 7-ounce package Fresh Express Leafy Green Romaine

2 cups smoked turkey breast, deli sliced or diced

1 Red Delicious apple, sliced

6 ounces blue cheese, crumbled

6 tablespoons toasted pecan halves

Cider Vinaigrette

1‚Ñ4 cup vegetable oil

3 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 tablespoon minced onion or shallot

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1‚Ñ2 teaspoon sugar

Combine first 5 ingredients in large bowl. Add enough dressing to season to taste. Season generously with pepper. Toss well and serve.

Liven Up Lunch

Starved for a satisfying lunch on the run? Don’t sacrifice taste for time, or freshness for convenience. Let lunch become a delicious and fresh-tasting meal you deserve in the midst of a busy day. Upgrade your “brown bag” to an “all in one” complete salad for a fresh take on the lunch break.

Get sensational taste with a complete salad lunch from the Fresh Express line of Gourmet Caf Salads. Premium taste, gourmet ingredients and tender, sweet baby lettuces deliver sophisticated, satisfying lunch solutions.

Take the break you deserve with one of the “open, shake and eat” delicious salad varieties: Tuscan Pesto, Caribbean Chicken, Orchard Harvest Salad, Waldorf Chicken, Chopped Turkey Chef, Chicken Caesar with Crostini.