Arugula & Watercress Salad With Pepitas And Blue Cheese

by Nanny Bubby

“Eat the rainbow” is one of Dr. Jean’s favorite quotes! It is becoming mine now, too! Nothing inspires a smile more than a colorful plate of fresh food. It actually feels like it is smiling back at you when you look at it. It says, “eat me, I am good for your body, you will love me”! LOL! Yes, sometimes food talks back to you!!!!

Total Time:

30 minutes

Serves:

6

Ingredients

  • ¾ c. raw pepitas pumpkin seeds
  • ½ tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ c. toasted unsweetened coconut
  • 4 c. baby arugula
  • 4 c. watercress
  • 2 oz. crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 c. fresh blueberries
  • ¾ c. pomegranate seeds
  • ½ c. dried unsweetened cranberries
  • 3 Tbsp. grated fresh golden beets
  • 3 Tbsp. grated fresh red beets

For the dressing

  • 1/3 cup good olive oil preferably a blood orange infused oil
  • ¼ c. Apple Cider Vinegar
  • juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 Tbsp. maple syrup
  • 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp. Fresh mint finely minced
  • Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Directions

  • Pre-heat oven to 350°
  • In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. When it shimmers, add the pepitas and the and paprika.
  • Toast the seeds for 3-5 minutes until lightly browned. Sprinkle with kosher salt.
  • Sprinkle the coconut onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Place into the oven for 7-10 minutes.
  • Shake it half way through and keep a close eye to be sure it doesn’t burn. (You cannot check on this too many times. It burns fast.)
  • In a large bowl, combine the arugula, watercress, blue cheese, blueberries, pomegranate seeds, coconut and dried cranberries.
  • In a glass bowl, add the vinegar, lemon juice, maple syrup, mint and Dijon mustard. Whisk to combine.
  • Begin whisking and slowly add the olive oil whisking quickly to emulsify the dressing.
  • Drizzle the dressing slowly over the salad while tossing.
  • After tossing the salad sprinkle the fresh grated beets on top as a garnish!
  • Serve immediately after adding the dressing.
  • Enjoy!

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