Chicken Salad with Gorgonzola, Walnuts and Figs

Name: Chicken Salad with Gorgonzola, Walnuts and Figs
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 c. water; 6 dried figs; c. walnut halves; 1 lb. boneless; 1 tbsp. plus 1/3 cup olive oil; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/2 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper; 2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary; 1 head radicchio; 12 oz. spinach; 1 1/2 tbsp. Wine vinegar; 1/4 lb. Gorgonzola

Published: Sep 3, 2008

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Mild grilled chicken, tender spinach leaves, bitter radicchio, sweet chewy figs, toasted walnuts and creamy tangy Gorgonzola cheese - this combination of contrasting flavors and textures is unforgettable.

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Ingredients

2 cups water
6 dried figs
cup walnut halves
1 lb. boneless
1 Tbsp. plus 1/3 cup olive oil
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. fresh-ground black pepper
2 tsp. chopped fresh rosemary
1 head radicchio
12 oz. spinach
1 1/2 Tbsp. Wine vinegar
1/4 lb. Gorgonzola

Directions

1. Step 1Put the water and the figs in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, turn off the heat, and let stand until the figs are plump, 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the figs and cut them in quarters.
2. Step 2In a small frying pan, toast the walnuts over moderately low heat, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Or toast them in a 350°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
3. Step 3Light the grill or heat the broiler. Rub the chicken with the 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of the salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the pepper, and the rosemary. Grill or broil the chicken until just done, about 5 minutes per side. When cool enough to handle, cut into 1/4-inch slices.
4. Step 4Put the radicchio and the spinach in a large bowl. Add the remaining 1/3 cup oil and 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper and toss. Add the vinegar and toss again. Put the radicchio and spinach on plates. Top with the sliced chicken, and then the Gorgonzola and walnuts. Put some of the figs in the center of each salad.
5. Step 5Wine Recommendation: Avoid big reds; walnuts have quite a bit of tannin, which when combined with tannic wines can create overwhelming dryness. A fresh, fruity Bardolino is perfect for this complex salad.