avocado | strawberryplum

Arugula Salad with Gravlax, Avocado & Pickled Fennel

February 4, 2014 | posted by Sarah | 8 Comments

This is one of those non-recipe recipes; it’s really just a list of ingredients for a salad too stunning not to share. Plus, it’s a good way to use up all that pickled fennel I know you rushed to the kitchen to make and soon as I posted the recipe yesterday.

So why is this salad so great? Well, first of all it’s drop-dead gorgeous, a 10+, for sure. It’s incredibly fresh and vibrant, not just in color, but flavor and texture, as well. It’s the kind of healthy eating that satisfies your taste buds and reminds you that winter does have something to offer beyond squash and braised meat. I think my jeans will be thankful for the reminder.

The salad is about half lettuce, half goodies. Arugula is tossed with pickled fennel, then topped with sliced avocado, orange supremes, gravlax, and a few roasted pistachios. The result is an entrée salad that you’ll be wanting for lunch everyday for all of forever. At least that’s where I’m at.

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Frisèe, Fennel & Hearts of Palm Salad with Pomegranate

December 2, 2013 | posted by Sarah | 1 Comment

I spent most of a long plane ride home yesterday daydreaming about this salad. After 2 weeks of exploring chilly cities (across 3 countries that adore French fries even more than the US) and seeking warmth through said frites, wild game, and stewed meats, I was ready for crisp vegetables and a tall glass of water.

Thankfully, 12 hours on a plane will give you plenty of time to dream up a great salad. I thought about everything my over-indulged body was craving and, as soon as I got home from the grocery store, put it all together in a big bowl: crisp fennel, bitter greens, hearts of palm, creamy avocado, and crunchy pomegranate seeds. The combination satisfies with its contrasting textures and gorgeous shades of pale green with ruby-red accents. And while nothing can beat being on vacation, it’s awfully nice to enjoy a meal in the comfort of your own home that doesn’t leave you feeling like you need to be air-lifted from the table.

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Salmon Tartare with Avocado, Olives & Tarragon

March 15, 2013 | posted by Sarah | 12 Comments

I’ve been staring at my computer screen for far too long. I’m supposed to be thinking of something clever to write about my latest rendition of salmon tartare, but my mind keeps wandering.

Looking at these tartare pictures, the only thing I can think about is when I’m going to make this again. Soon, it’s got to be soon.

This is my ideal salmon tartare. It has enough going on to keep me interested, without overwhelming the delicacy of the fish. This version has a luxurious base of creamy avocado and a spoonful of a tarragon oil to use as a garnish. Bright lemon and green onions counter the richness of the salmon and a layer of minced black olives keeps the sweetness of the tarragon in check. It’s indulgent, yet balanced, and, man, is it ever craveable.

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Radicchio, Avocado & Hearts of Palm Salad

February 17, 2013 | posted by Sarah | 3 Comments

You’ve heard the old adage “failing to plan is planning to fail”, right? Gosh, feels like the story of my life.

I’ve been in this rut lately of going to the gym in the middle of the day, about the time normal people with well-planned, put-together lives would be eating lunch. I run a few miles, fueled only on coffee and maybe a cookie or 2, and then return home, a ravenous beast. Watch out, I’m going elbow deep in the granola, almonds are consumed by the handful, and my daily cookie count triples.

Hey, wait! I just did something good for my body. Why am I un-doing it as soon as I get home?

Because I fail to plan. Regularly.

No more! If I plan just a teeny-tiny bit, I can make a killer salad in 5 minutes, stuff my face with that and go about the rest of my day feeling proud instead of remorseful.

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