Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Arugula, Cranberry & Cashew Salad




Arugula, Cranberry & Cashew Salad

Until just recently, I absolutely despised the salad green Arugula.  In my opinion - when eaten plain and with no other ingredients - Arugula tastes and smells like a combination of skunk and rubber gloves.  However, when prepared correctly and accompanied by the correct dressing, it becomes scrumptious and this salad is now one of my favorites.  Arugula is like a diamond in disguise. 


Arugula Plant in my garden.


My husband & I just discovered a new gourmet store in the "Westfield Franklin Park mall" in Toledo, Ohio: Bumble Olive Oil Company  (They are unfortunately no longer in business).  This unique store has inspired my husband to open a "Scotch Tape Boutique" (Saturday Night Live reference) or a "Meatloaf Bar" (my husband's own dream.....hahaha). 


4 to 5 cups chopped Arugula (washed & drained first)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup salted cashews (chopped)
1 1/2 tablespoons Blood Orange Olive Oil
1 1/2 tablespoons Cranberry-Pear Balsamic Vinegar

Prepare the arugula as listed above.  In a serving bowl - Mix the cranberries, cashews & Arugula.  Drizzle the Olive Oil & Vinegar on the salad separately and then toss.  Serve immediately. 
NOTE:  I did not add any extra salt because of the salted cashews - but if you desire you may add salt to taste.

© (2012)




ENJOY!!

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10 comments:

  1. That salad looks yummy!! I love home grown vegetables! I am your newest follower. Thanks for inviting me over!
    Jill
    twoyellowbirdsdecor.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love salads and I am always looking for something different. I will
    surely give this one a try. Thank you for sharing.

    frannie

    ReplyDelete
  3. I wanted to try a new recipe last week, so I picked a Balsalmic Chicken Sandwich with Arugula. I had never used arugula before, and I was excited to try it, but when I got to the store, they didn't have any! I was really surprised. I had to use spinach instead. :/ So, the next time I can actually find arugula, I will definitely try this out. I love cashews!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Arugula takes some getting used to, but I have also grown to like it.

    Didn't know you were in the Toledo area. My husband grew up there!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow - what a small world! I actually live in Michigan but it is just a couple miles from Toledo.
      Thanks.

      Delete
  5. This sounds like a delicious mix! I am following you back! :)
    Sherry

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have never grown arugula in my garden or even many leafy veggies or lettuces for that matter. I worried that they would just get munched by bugs and I would not have much success. However this makes me feel inspired to try. Do you use any pesticides in your garden, natural or otherwise?

    Just wonderful!
    Kamara
    http://kamaragallery.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I try to be as organic as possible - so NO - I did not use any pesticides on this arugula or any other green veggie that I grow.
      I have kale, swiss chard, bok choy, spinach, lettuce and many herbs in my garden. There are some leaves that have "bug holes" in them but I just discard those leaves - I would estimate that I throw away about 25% to 30% of all greens due to pest problems - but it is still so worth it -fresh from the garden tastes so much better than store bought.
      Thanks!

      Delete

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