Spring has officially hit New England! I feel confident enough to say that the weather is getting warmer now and will continue to stay that way. Spring is always a funny season for me because while I am happy and excited that the weather is getting warmer, its also leaves me with a sense of restlessness. I think it mainly has to do with the fact that spring reminds me that life is always moving, all around me, no matter the circumstances. While winter feels quiet and restful, spring feels like I need to move!
I also really like spring because it means I can eat more salads. I tend to stay away from raw foods during the colder months because it can be very cooling for my body and my dosha. However, when the weather gets warmer and I spend more time outside, my body can usually handle eating more fresh and raw produce. Which means smoothies and salads!
This has been a classic go-to salad for me for awhile because its super simple to make and arugula happens to be my favorite salad green. Its also surprisingly filling on its own but I usually have it as a side dish for something more protein focused. I like to add sunflower seeds and hemp hearts for added protein but I’m sure any other nuts or seeds work well. I also think this could work with really any green of choice. The recipe makes 4 servings of salad but you can certainly half it or adjust to make it single serving for a quick snack or lunch.
GREEN SPRING SALAD
Ingredients
- 1 large ripe avocado
- 1 package fresh arugula, about 5 cups, washed and dried
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- ¼ cup sunflower seeds
- ¼ cup hemp hearts (not pictured)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Peel and mash the avocado in a small bowl until smooth. Add lemon juice and 1 tbsp of olive oil and mix until well combined. In a separate large bowl, add arugula, remaining olive oil, salt and pepper (I end up using about ½ tsp each) and massage the arugula using your hands until evenly coated. Add dressing, sunflower seeds, hemp hearts, and mix well to combine. Best served immediately to preserve freshness.
The Wellness Edit 