The nutritious medley of flavor and texture resonates with every bite of this delicious green salad. The peppery arugula and nutty red leaf lettuce blend harmoniously with the distinct licorice taste of fennel and the sweet fresh crisp of the sugar snap peas. Avocado dressing, a few toasted walnuts and a handful of blueberries add creaminess, crunch and a burst of sweetness.
Time saving tip: If all the ingredients aren't readily available, get creative with what you have handy rather than make a separate grocery store run. Simply swap in other green vegetables such as broccoli, kale, celery or cucumber.
Ingredients
For the salad
2 cups Arugula, rinsed and gently torn into bite size pieces if the leaves are larger than 2 inches in length
1 cup red leaf lettuce, rinsed and roughly chopped into bite size pieces
1/2 cup micro greens (these can typically be found next to the lettuce at most grocery stores. Any variety will work with this salad)
2 cups fresh sugar snap peas, thinly sliced on the diagonal (its tastier when the peas fall out of the pod for this salad)
1/2 cup thinly sliced fennel
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
For the avocado dressing
1/2 avocado, mashed with a fork until smooth
1 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lime juice
salt to taste
Preparation
In a large wooden salad bowl toss together the lettuces, micro greens, fennel and sugar snap peas
Whisk the mashed avocado, yogurt, lime juice until smooth and creamy. Taste and add seasoning, as needed
Gently mix the avocado dressing into the salad greens until lightly coated. You may have leftover dressing, which can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Top with toasted walnuts for added crunch, blueberries for sweetness and freshly cracked black pepper.
This salad offers a myriad of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, healthy fats, fiber and plant-based protein. Combined, these nutrients support a healthy metabolism, offer immune system, gut health and digestion support, blood pressure regulation, heart health, eye health and improved brain function. In addition, anti-inflammatory effects can help combat oxidative stress and reduce risk of chronic disease.
Leafy greens are rich sources of provitamin A, vitamins C and K.1 They also provide potassium, folate, calcium, iron and fiber in varying amounts, depending on the type of leafy green. Arugula, for example, is relatively high in beta-carotene (provitamin A), vitamin K1 and Folate.
Fennel is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, potassium and manganese.
Sugar snap peas contain soluble fiber to promote gut health and insoluble fiber to aid in digestion. Green beans are packed with vitamins and minerals providing a good source of provitamin A, vitamins C and K1, folate, fiber and potassium. Green beans are part of a heart healthy diet and contain antioxidants which help lower inflammation and combat oxidative stress. Vitamin K1 supports blood clotting.
Avocados are a good source of Vitamins K1, C, E and B6, potassium and magnesium. Avocados also contain the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin. Eating avocados as part of a healthy, balanced diet, can help lower LDL cholesterol, regulate blood sugar levels and promote eye health.
Freshly squeezed lime juice is packed with vitamin C.
Greek yogurt is high in protein, a macronutrient which supports tissue repair, a healthy immune system and promotes satiety. Greek yogurt is also a good source of B vitamins including B12, Riboflavin (B2), Pantothenic Acid (B5) which are essential for a healthy metabolism and energy production. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus support bone health. Greek yogurt, containing live & active cultures, delivers beneficial probiotics to support a healthy and diverse microbiome for a stronger immune system and healthy digestive system.
Walnuts are rich in healthy fats, including polyunsaturated, monounsaturated and omega-3 alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), which are beneficial for heart health. Walnuts are also a good source of plant-based protein (delivering 4.3 grams in 7 nuts) and fiber (1.9 grams in 7 nuts). Walnuts have antioxidant properties which further support heart health, combat the harmful effects of UV radiation and oxidative stress.
Blueberries are rich in vitamins and minerals and are perhaps, best known for their antioxidant properties. Blueberries contain anthocyanins, powerful antioxidants, responsible for their vibrant blue color. These compounds help protect against oxidative stress and have been linked to a reduced risk of chronic disease.
Did you give this recipe a try?
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