Spanish-style pork chops turn into apple, pork, and fennel salad

Pork chops with toasted garlic and roasted red pepper. Karoline Boehm Goodnick for The Boston Globe/Globe Freelance

Thin boneless pork loin chops are one of the more effortless options in the meat case. Saute the chops and turn them in a simple pan sauce of toasted garlic, thyme, and roasted red pepper, finished with a little vinegar for tang. The dish has a Spanish feel. Cooking the pork properly is paramount. The chops don’t take long in the skillet and should be served a little pink, accompanied by roast potatoes.

Leftover garlicky chops are a nice building block for a warm salad. Roast apples and fennel until caramelized, toss with thin strips of the pork and serve over baby spinach and toasted walnuts dressed with a shallot vinaigrette. Add a crusty baguette and enjoy the achievement of simple, satisfying food.

Shopping list

(For pork chops, pork salad)

12 thin (½-inch) boneless pork loin
chops (about 2¼ pounds)

1 bulb fresh fennel

6 ounces fresh baby spinach

1 shallot

3 cloves garlic

½ bunch fresh thyme

Few sprigs fresh parsley

1 sweet-firm apple (Fuji or Honeycrisp)

Salt and pepper

¾ cup olive oil

2 tablespoons cider vinegar

2 teaspoons white wine vinegar

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

⅓ cup dried cranberries

1 roasted red bell pepper from a can or jar

½ cup walnuts