this salad. It is completely addictive, but in a good way. Kind of like “Can’t Stop the Feeling” by JT…can’t get enough of that right now either. Perfect summer song!
I would love to tell you this stuff came from local farmers, but the cherries and walnuts came from Target, arugula from the grocery store
But about the salad. This is so easy and good. You just have to try it.
We all know arugula is good for us, but not everyone wants to eat it because it does have a strong flavor. This salad contrasts the peppery taste of the arugula with the sweetness of the cherries and the nuttiness of the walnuts, and it’s really delicious. A little balsamic vinegar and oil enhances it more. Sometimes I buy organic baby arugula from local farmers. Sometimes I buy it already washed in a clamshell package at the grocery store. It’s all good.
This is before I put the oil and vinegar on…so good!!
Oh, and it’s great with baby kale too! If you use baby kale, read this post to find out how to make it more tender:
I bought some kale now what?
So besides tasting great, why should you eat this salad? Arugula is a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C and K, and many minerals. It contains cleansing properties that help eliminate heavy metals and pesticide residue from the body. Dark leafy greens are one of my top skin foods, and I really think it’s important to vary them and not just rely on one or two.
Sweet cherries (Bing is the most common variety) contain a unique and potent set of antioxidants. The deep red color comes from anthocyanin glycoside, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory that has been shown to be helpful with gout, arthritis, fibromyalgia and muscle related sports injuries. They contain melatonin, which helps to regulate our sleep cycles. Cherries also give us vitamin C and minerals such as potassium, iron, copper and zinc.
The walnuts are packed with healthy fats, protein, and more antioxidants. Studies have shown them to be protective against prostrate and breast cancer. They also increase satiety, which can help with weight control. Walnuts contain omega 3 fatty acids and B vitamins, including biotin, which is important for strong hair and nails, and firm skin.
I used liquid coconut oil, sometimes called MCT oil for this salad, both because I had it on hand and I thought it would taste good. I was right! I have mixed feelings about MCT oil. On the one hand, it is higher in medium chain triglycerides, which is a good thing, but it is much more processed than the Nutiva coconut oil that I usually use. So I use it now and then for salads or cooking, but that’s about it.
MCT oil is digested easily and can help to boost metabolism. Some people feel they have more energy and think more clearly when consuming it. I notice these benefits simply by eating more healthy fats in general. I can’t say that I see any specific difference with MCT oil.
If you don’t have MCT oil, just use a high quality olive oil. Some olive oils aren’t what they seem…read this post to find out more:
Has your olive oil lost it’s virginity?
There’s no real recipe for this…put a generous handful of arugula in a bowl. Top with some pitted sweet cherries. Pitting cherries is a complete pain in the ass. I’m not into too many kitchen gadgets, but I love my cherry pitter! Throw on a handful of walnuts, drizzle with oil and balsamic vinegar, and sprinkle a little pink Himalayan salt and organic pepper on top. Oh, and you could throw some protein on top and call it dinner. Chicken would be nice. How easy is that?
So, can this easy summer salad help you feel happy, healthy and hot? Definitely! You’ll be happy eating such a delicious and easy salad. As far as healthy, the arugula, cherries and walnuts are packed with vitamins and minerals, and the fat from the walnuts and oil makes sure your body is able to assimilate them well. The antioxidants, biotin, vitamin C and healthy fats support your glowing skin and gorgeous hair and nails. You’ll be hot for sure!
I’d love to hear from you…what are your favorite summer salads?
SHOP THE POST:
Cherry Pitter
MCT Oil
Love this and you look great! What do you think about food combining principles? I read Donna Gates, Kimberly Snyder, etc and they talk a lot about not combining certain foods like nuts and fruit. Valid or woo woo? Also I hear you on the kitchen gadget stuff. I bought a spiralizer thinking I was going to be the next zoodle queen and it sits on my shelf taunting me. Might have to be a part of the “doesn’t spark joy” purge!! Happy Summer.
Hey Christian, I hear you with the spiralizer!! I had a julienne tool that I used for zuchinni noodles and it worked great. Left it at the beach by accident…bought one at a kitchen store in NY and never use it…liked my little julienne tool better.
I read Donna Gates and think she is super cool. But the food combining can get to be really tedious. I pay more attention to how I feel to figure out what works. I think there’s probably something to it, I just don’t want to make myself crazy! Thanks for checking in!
Cherries and walnuts sound delicious! I also like walnuts on a salad when you gently warm them through with the balsamic dressing. Great for autumn (fall).
Oh wow, Tanya, that sounds awesome!! Will definitely try warming my balsamic this fall. Wheels are already turning with some good combos!!!