The Reset Salad
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Greetings, friends!!
Weird blog lady checking in from across the pond. I am severely jet-lagged but also extremely chuffed to be holed up in a cozy cabin in the English countryside for the next few days with my book. And a fancy claw-footed tub. And my roommate, obviously.
(On an unrelated note, I’ve had two drinks and seem to have developed a slight British accent. I think it suits me. Cheers.)
Anyhoo, I know many of you are currently on vacation and spending some quality time with your family/friends, so we’ll keep it brief today…
I made you a salad! I call it The Reset Salad because it’s loaded with many cleansing things and is perfect for times when you are a human wheel of cheese need something light, nourishing, and delicious. So…now?
I’ve been whipping up versions of this salad for years, but I realized while making one on Instastories recently that I had never posted a recipe. This felt selfish given the salad’s deliciousness and detoxifying powers, so here we are. While I often mix things up, my favorite iteration has a base of peppery arugula, lots of celery for crunch, farro for nutty chew, apple for sweetness, avocado for creaminess, and plenty of herbs to keep things fresh. The simplest lemon dressing ties the whole shebang together, and it’s delightful.
What I love most about The Reset Salad is that each bright, highly textured bite packs a serious nutritional punch and makes me feel instantly smarter and prettier. Not only is the salad high in satiating fiber, but it’s also a great source of antioxidants, healthy fats, minerals, and B-vitamins, which support brain and heart health. HALLELUJAH.
Needless to say, there are infinite you do you possibilities for this recipe, which I hope you’ll think of as a roadmap for creating your perfect crunchy, cleansing salad. Play around with grains (quinoa! brown rice! barley!) or ditch them altogether. Sub pears, citrus, or stone fruit for the apples. Use whatever nuts or herbs you have on hand. I support your creativity!
I dig the reset salad as a #sassydesklunch (just keep the dressing separate until you eat), but it’s equally fabulous as a light dinner or healthy side dish. To bulk things up a bit, try topping each portion with Idiotproof Chicken Breasts or a salmon filet. Chickpeas or white beans are also great options should you want to keep things plant-based.
Ingredients
- ½ cup pearled or semi-pearled farro
- 3 packed cups baby arugula
- 1 cup thinly sliced celery
- 1/3 cup fresh cilantro leaves roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup thinly sliced whole scallions
- 1 small apple cored and cut into matchsticks
- ¼ cup toasted almonds optional
- ½ ripe avocado pitted, peeled and diced
For the dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1-1½ teaspoons pure maple syrup depends on how much sweetness you like
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the farro according to the package directions. Drain and cool to room temperature.
- Meanwhile, whisk all the ingredients for the dressing in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the cooled farro to the bowl with the dressing and toss to combine. Add the remaining ingredients for the salad to the bowl and toss again. Serve immediately.
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Super yummy go to salad that is easy but tastes like it’s from a great restaurant.
For some reason I had this bookmarked for a year before I finally decided to try it and when I did I was blown away. It seems so simple but it tastes amazing – light and fresh! Very easy to make and very easy to adjust if you’re missing a few ingredients. This is now our go-to weeknight salad recipe.
Husband went crazy over this, which was shocking because he didn’t think he was capable of having any feelings about salads. The dressing was a particular hit. I also loved it, but knew I would before I even made it! Instant weeknight classic.
YESSS!!! The best possible endorsement! Thrilled this was such a hit.
My go-to when I’m craving salad or more green in my life
Love this salad and dressing!
Wish I could give it more than 5 stars – has become a staple in our house.
Just stumbled upon this from your “my favorite blog recipes” post and wowza. I’m a crazy salad person too but recently have been searching for some new inspo to mix it up – and this was IT. So so great and even impressed my sister who is not a crazy salad person. Go make this!!!
YESSSS!! I’m so thrilled to hear that it was such a hit and that it impresses even the not crazy salad people!
Delicious! I love the combo of ingredients. I would definitely buy this in a restaurant! xo
Thank you!! That’s the best endorsement! xo
What kind of apple do you recommend?
I like a pink lady or honeycrisp, but feel free to use your favorite!
I don’t know if it’s just me but I can’t get the link for the recipe to work on my phone or desktop.
I can’t either 😕
Eek–so sorry, not sure what’s going on here! The link is working on my computer, but this is it: http://www.fromthepod.com/recipes/724-the-reset-salad
That link works. Thanks! Happy New Year!
P.S. I gifted Dude Diet to four people for Christmas this year and they all loved it! =)
This is my go-to salad every week. Or a version of this and Greens and Grains from Dude Diet. Full of flavor, fresh, delightful.