This simple salad offers an alternative to the typical jams and pies if you want to showcase this herbaceous vegetable in a unique way.
With only 5 steps, this salad packs a flavor punch. Slicing the rhubarb against the grain breaks down the tough fibers into shorter strands so they soften while baking and become less stringy. Baking the rhubarb for 10min or less helps it keep its shape. Any longer and the Rhubarb will start to turn to mush. Adding agave before baking balances out the tartness of the raw Rhubarb. You are left with a sweet and tangy Rhubarb which balances well with the toasted almonds, crumbled Feta cheese and citrus Dijon vinaigrette.
The almonds are dry roasted in the oven with just a pinch of salt to taste. This allows the natural oils in the almonds to exude a deeper nuttier flavor. Not to mention, they add quite a nice bit of crunch. While I simply chopped the almonds, some of the chunks may be too large for some palettes so substitute your favorite method of crushing nuts (quick pulse in a food processor, mortar and pestle or pound them with a mallet). You can also play with options and swap in a different nut or seed.
For Baking the Rhubarb
2 Rhubarb stalks sliced into 1/4" pieces
1 tsp Agave
1/2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
For the Dressing
1 tbsp Agave (for the dressing)
1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
1/2 tbsp Lemon juice
1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
For the Salad
1/4 cup Dry Roasted Almonds chopped into rough pieces
1/4 cup crumbled Feta cheese
3 cups mixed spring greens (or any lettuce you prefer)
Salt and Pepper to taste
Prepare the Rhubarb
Preheat the oven to 350F
On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper drizzle Rhubarb slices with 1 tsp Agave, 1/2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil and a pinch of salt
Bake for 10 min or until Rhubarb is softened and still maintaining its shape
Dry Roast Whole Almonds
Scatter whole almonds on a baking sheet. Almonds should sit in a single layer to avoid overcrowding
Roast for 20-25 min until browned and fragrant
Remove from oven, allow to cool for 15 min, then chop, pulse, or pound almonds into smaller pieces
Prepare the Feta Cheese
If using a solid block of cheese, slice off a chunk approximately 2 inches by 2 inches and roughly chop into small pieces
If using feta already crumbled, measure 1/4 cup
Prepare the Dressing
Mix together 1 tbsp agave, 1tbsp Dijon and 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
Whisk 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil into the mixture until smooth and creamy
Combine the Rhubarb, Almonds, Feta and Spring Greens with the Dressing
Add Salt and Pepper to taste and you are good to go!
Rhubarb is a good source of fiber for digestion and vitamin K1, an important factor in blood clotting. Rhubarb also contains Manganese, antioxidants (Vitamin C and anthocyanins) and Potassium:
Manganese is a trace mineral that plays a role in multiple functions including metabolism and energy production, bone health and immune system support.
Antioxidants, including anthocyanins, help to reduce inflammation and support heart health.
Potassium is involved in electrolyte balance and supports muscle contraction (including heart contractions), bone health and kidney function.
Almonds are an excellent source of healthy fats (to support heart health) and fiber (supports digestion). Almonds are also a good source of protein, an essential macronutrient which is fundamental for tissue repair, metabolism and immune function. Protein also increases satiety and helps with weight management. Almonds are also high in Vitamin E, a powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant that protects cells from damage and reduces oxidative stress.
Feta further boosts the protein content in this salad and, as a good source of Calcium and Phosphorus, supports bone health. Feta is high in saturated fat and sodium, and is best enjoyed in moderation.
Did you give this recipe a try?
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