Arugula and Fennel Salad (serves 4)

1 large fennel bulb
1/2 red onion
1 bunch arugula
1 small head lettuce
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 lemon, juiced
1 clove garlic, finely minced (optional)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 small piece Parmigiano-Reggiano
¾ cup toasted pinenuts (optional)

Trim the fennel bulb and reserve the fronds. Cut the bulb in half and remove the tough inner core. Using a sharp knife or a mandolin cut the fennel into very thin slices and put them into a large bowl. Cut the onion into very thin slices and add them to the bowl. Add the arugula and lettuce to the bowl and give it a good toss. Combine the olive oil, garlic and lemon juice, season it with salt and pepper, and toss it together with the other ingredients; put the salad onto a large platter. Using a vegetable peeler, shave thin pieces of the Parmigiano-Reggiano and scatter them over the salad. Garnish with the reserved fennel fronds and pinenuts.

ARUGULA PESTO SAUCE from Mariquita Farm

eat with artichokes, noodles, toast, carrot sticks...

3 cups packed arugula (about 3/4 pound),
washed well and spun dry 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted golden and cooled
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt 1 large garlic clove, chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup hot water plus additional if desired

In a food processor pulse together all ingredients except oil and water until arugula is chopped fine. With motor running add oil in a stream, blending mixture until smooth. Sauce may be made up to this point 1 week ahead and chilled, its surface covered with plastic wrap. Bring sauce to room temperature to continue. Stir in 1/4 cup hot water plus additional for thinner consistency if desired.

ARUGULA SALAD from the Victory Garden Cookbook, Marian Morash

Wash and dry the arugula. Chop garlic and toss with arugula. Use a good strong green olive oil and red wine vinegar. Dress with oil, a bit of vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.

Slice your strawberries from this week’s box and put them in this salad – delicious!