Showing posts with label argula. Show all posts

Easy: Pickled Beetroot and Halloumi Salad with Rocket and Sweet, Toasted Walnuts


This salad is super easy and a perfect dinner for one. I have a massive sweet tooth so this dinner is definitely catering to that. You can toast the nuts without any balsamic or leave off the honey. Adjust to what suits your taste. The sweetness compliments the sharpness of the pickled beetroot. Whilst the beetroot cuts through the richness of the cheese. There is definitely an autumnal vibe to this dish, but the great thing about pickled vegetables is you kind eat them all year round. Quite a few days of gloomy British weather can make it feel like autumn anyway. I hope you give this recipe a try. It's perfect for a rainy day.




Ingredients

2 pickled beetroot
1 cm-thick slice of halloumi
a handful of rocket/arugula
a small handful of walnuts or pecans
a piece of toast (optional)
honey and balsamic glaze for drizzling
salt and pepper

Preparation

  1. On a medium heat toast the nuts without any oil. When the nuts are just becoming fragrant and slightly golden, drizzle over some balsamic glaze. Coat the nuts. Set aside to cool. 
  2. Wiping the pan clean, on the same medium heat, add your halloumi. Fry on each side for about a minute or so or until golden brown. 
  3. Using a knife of mandolin finely slice the beetroot. 
  4. Top your piece of toast with the rocket, halloumi and beetroot slices. 
  5. Garnish with the toasted nuts and drizzle with honey and/or balsamic glaze. 

Blueberry, Feta and Toasted Pecan Salad


This may be my favourite new salad if not my favourite new meal. I am also SO pleased with how the picture came out. This salad encompasses everything I love in a dish: crunchy, nutty, sweet, fresh, healthy and tangy. Everyone knows that berries pair really well with cheese; feta and blueberry make an excellent pairing. I would be lying though if I claimed any other part to be as delicious as the toasted pecans on top. I am a sucker for pecans. If only they were not so expensive. Walnuts or even almonds would make an excellent alternative, but nuts in general are pretty pricy. I wouldn't say fresh berries and nuts is a bargain meal, but since this a vegetarian dinner I feel like I can splash out and have some luxury ingredients from time to time. Rocket's peppery flavour helps balance the sweetness from the blueberries and balsamic glaze and the saltiness from the nuts and feta. Spinach would make a good alternative too. I put down a base of bulgur wheat to make this a substantial dinner; however, that is entirely optional. Quinoa would also make a good base, but the salad as a side or on its own is perfect and delicious. 
Serves 2 / Approximate prep time: 10 minutes 

Ingredients 

150g of fresh blueberries
2 large handfuls of arugula or rocket 
40g of feta 
50g of pecans 
2 sprigs of fresh mint 
balsamic glaze, for drizzling on top 
ground black pepper 
salt
honey, about 2 tsp 

Preparation 
  1. Chop the pecans into small chunks. 
  2. Toast in a frying plan on medium heat (no additional fat required) until you can smell their nutty aroma. Drizzle the honey on top. Season with salt. Mix the nuts to ensure even coating of honey. After about 20-30 seconds remove from the heat. 
  3. Finely chop the fresh mint leaves. 
  4. Evenly distribute the rocket, feta, fresh mint and blueberries between your plates. Or mix together, gently, in a large salad bowl. 
  5. Garnish with the toasted nuts and freshly ground pepper. Drizzle balsamic glaze or balsamic vinegar on top. 
  6. Enjoy!