Winter Salad Round-Up

The beginning of a fresh new year is a great time to take time for a healthier approach to meals.  This week's recipes from Ever Ready will focus on salads. Some benefits of 
eating salads
They are rich in vegetables and fruits, providing substantial dietary fiber that aids digestion and promotes satiety.
Consuming a variety of fresh produce can increase your intake of essential nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, magnesium, and potassium.

So what are you waiting for? Fill up the bowl or your salad plate.

Wild Rice Salad with Mixed Greens, Blueberries, and Clementine Segments

Cook’s notes: This refreshing salad combines greens and grains packed with lots of nutrients. Kale can be substituted for mixed greens. As a time saver, make wild rice ahead, refrigerate until needed, and toast pecans. Dressing ingredients can be easily doubled depending on the servings required.

Plate each salad individually rather than using a salad bowl. The recipe serves four.

Salad Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked wild rice, divided among four salad plates
• 1 pint blueberries, rinsed and patted dry
• 3 clementines, peeled, segmented and halved
• 1 cup red onions, cut into strips 
• 1/3 cup dried cranberries or arils
• 1/2 cup each diced sweet red and yellow mini bell peppers
• ½ cup toasted pecans
• Mixed greens
• Optional 1 avocado sliced

Dressing 

• 2 tablespoons white balsamic vinegar (good quality)  
• 1 teaspoon grated orange or clementine zest
• 1/4 cup clementine, tangerine, or orange juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil or Blood Orange Olive Oil
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons honey

Salad Directions:

• Mix wild rice, blueberries, clementines, onions, and peppers in a bowl.
• On each serving plate, place mixed greens. Top with a wild rice mixture and fruits, sprinkle with toasted pecans and drizzle with dressing.

Dressing Directions:

• Mix all ingredients in a blender and taste test to balance flavor. Store dressing in a covered jar.