Lemon Blueberry Arugula Salad
/Summer always brings about a craving for lighter dishes, crisp vegetables and a recipe that instantly gives that fresh taste and appearance. I always find myself desiring less indulgent, but equally flavorful options during some of the hottest months of the year.
The last couple of weeks in Kentucky have definitely been pushing the heat index. This past weekend, my husband and I were invited to the First Annual Neighborhood Barbeque for our subdivision and community. I absolutely love impromptu get-togethers, such as these, in the Summer and I was so excited for the opportunity to meet my neighbors on a more personal level.
I received an invite in my mailbox requesting each household bring either a side dish or dessert in accordance with their last name. The latter half of the alphabet was tasked with bringing side dishes - that's us!
The day was destined to be a scorcher, so of course I wanted to bring something more on the lighter side, but also just as flavorful. This salad came together in no time and had the beautiful colors of Summer, as well as the great taste of the season's ripest blueberries!
Blueberry Lemon Arugula Salad
Ingredients
1 package of Brussel Sprouts and Kale Salad Mix (you can also make your own, but these kits are so easy!) (I did not use the toppings or dressings that came with the kit in this recipe)
1 package of Baby Arugula
1 pint of Fresh Blueberries (or more if you like!)
1 Cucumber (deseeded, cut into quarters)
1 1/2 purple shallot (minced)
1/2 Cup of Lemon Dressing (Again, you can make your own, but I used the Simply Lemon Dressing. So easy!)
1/2 Cup of Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
1/3 Cup of Unsalted Sunflower Seeds (Optional)
Salt and Pepper to Taste
Directions:
1. Mince the shallot and chop the cucumber.
2. In the bottom of a large serving bowl, pour the Lemon Dressing. Layer the shallot, the cucumber and the blueberries.
3. Add the Brussel Sprouts Salad Kit (you can use the toppings/dressing that comes with this in your salads for lunch later in the week). Add the Baby Arugula.
4. Add the cheese and the sunflower seeds last, on the top. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Just before serving, toss all ingredients in the bowl.
We had an absolutely wonderful evening at the Neighborhood Barbeque. I am so thankful and blessed to live in a neighborhood with such a great community. We had a great time getting to know everyone on a more personal level. The salad was a huge hit!
Amber Madden is a Licensed Counseling Associate specializing in Eating Disorders and Obesity. She is the Clinical Director at Madden Wellness Counseling, PLLC. She utilizes her skills in addiction to assist her clients in with Binge Eating, "food addictive" patterns, and develop a positive approach to overall health and wellness. She has a passion for assisting clients in achieving their health goals and learning to love nutritious foods and exercise. For more information visit www.maddenwellnessky.com .
MADDEN WELLNESS SERVICES
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM! ----- AMADDENWELLNESS
