Refreshing fennel, spinach, apple, hazelnut and goats cheese salad

I have to admit this is my new favorite salad. I've never had fennel before so when I saw it at Trader Joe's the other day I decided to buy it and give it a go. Although I didn't like the taste of it on its own, once combined with the other ingredients, this salad was amazing.

Here's what you need:

• 1 fennel bulb, sliced as thin as possible

• 2 cups of baby spinach

• 1 medium apple, cubed

• a handful of hazelnuts and/or walnuts

• 2 oz goat's cheese, crumbled

• 1/2 tbs EVOO

• 1 tbs some sort of vinegar - I used orange vinaigrette but apple cider vinegar will too

• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Place all the ingredients in a large bowl, mix well and serve next to your favorite protein.

This recipe is plenty for 2 servings (about 300 calories each - without counting the protein).

I served it next to canned, wild-caught salmon sprinkled with turmeric, paprika and black pepper. So delicious.

If you're tired of arugula, spinach and lettuce based salads, try this one. I'm sure you will love it.