Lunch: Marian's Apple-Fennel Salad

Raw fennel is crisp and tasty, a perfect complement to apples and arugula.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Lemon, Nuts, Walnuts

Health and fertility benefits of Marian's Apple-Fennel Salad

Lemons can help to prevent oxidative damage to the body, which women with PCOS are often susceptible to. Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity. Walnuts are low on the glycemic index. What’s more, they also lower the glycemic index of other foods that you eat in conjunction with these nuts. Any kind of nuts provide a healthy source of fat and a great way to encourage PCOS weight loss.

Ingredients

1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
1 shallot, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Gala apple, cut into quarters
1 medium-size fennel bulb
1 celery rib
1 (5-oz.) package fresh arugula
1 cup loosely packed fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350 °. Bake walnuts in a single layer in a shallow pan 7 to 9 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through.
Meanwhile, whisk together olive oil and next 4 ingredients; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cut apple, fennel, and celery into thin slices, using a mandoline or sharp knife. Toss arugula with a small amount of vinaigrette. Arrange arugula on a serving platter. Toss apple, fennel, celery, and parsley with desired amount of vinaigrette. Top arugula with apple mixture; sprinkle with walnuts and salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately with any remaining vinaigrette.
Try This Twist!
Crunchy Carrot-Beet Salad: Substitute 2 medium-size peeled beets and 2 large carrots for apples, fennel, and celery. To prevent hands from being stained, hold beets with a paper towel or wear rubber gloves while slicing.

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