A flavorful, 30-minute arugula salad with strawberries, brown sugar pecans, hemp seeds, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette!

Strawberry Arugula Salad

Ingredients

ROASTED PECANS

• 1/2 cup raw pecan halves
• 1 1/2 Tbsp coconut oil (or sub vegan butter or olive oil // melted)
• 1 Tbsp coconut sugar, brown sugar, or cane sugar
• 1 pinch each sea salt, ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper

DRESSING

• 3 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
• 2 medium shallots (thinly sliced)
• 1 pinch each sea salt and pepper (~1/8th tsp as original recipe is written)
• 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
• 1-2 Tbsp maple syrup (or sub other sweetener of choice)

SALAD

• 1 1/2 cups hulled quartered strawberries (organic when possible)
• 7 ounces arugula (organic when possible)
• 3 Tbsp hemp seeds (or sub 1/4 cup cooked quinoa)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and place pecans on a foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 8 minutes.
• In the meantime, add coconut oil, coconut sugar, sea salt, cinnamon and cayenne pepper to a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
• Remove toasted pecans from oven and toss with spice mixture. Spread back onto the baking sheet and toast for another 4-7 minutes or until fragrant and golden brown, being careful not to burn.
• Once out of the oven, let cool briefly and then sample to test flavor. Toss with a touch more salt or coconut sugar as needed. Set aside to cool.
• While the pecans are roasting, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add 1/3 of the olive oil (1 Tbsp as original recipe is written) and all of the shallot. Sauté until soft and fragrant - 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
• Add shallot to blender or food processor with balsamic vinegar, remaining olive oil (2 Tbsp as original recipe is written), maple syrup and a pinch each salt and pepper. Blend until completely pureed. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Add arugula, hemp seeds, strawberries and most of the roasted pecans to a large mixing bowl and top with 2-3 Tbsp dressing (as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size). Gently toss to combine.
• Plate salad and garnish with remaining pecans. Serve additional dressing on the side. Serves 2 as an entrée or 4 as a side dish. Best when fresh.

https://minimalistbaker.com/strawberry-arugula-salad/