Resolutions

Monday, January 7, 2013
After a couple of weeks' blogging break, I'm back!  Although I loved taking it easy over the Christmas holidays, it's great to be blogging again. 

The title of today's blog is Resolutions, which is a bit misleading.  I don't really make New Year's resolutions.  If I decide to change something in my life, I try to do it then and there.  But the beginning of a fresh year isn't a bad time to think about your exercise and food habits, and what you could do to improve them.

Which is why I'm starting the new year with this terrific salad.  The recipe comes from Fast Flavours by Michael Smith.  (Thanks for the Christmas gift, Gwen!)  And this salad is a perfect way to eat healthily without feeling like you're giving up anything.  The recipe couldn't be easier, and the combination of flavours is great.  So whether or not your resolutions include eating more salads -- and even if you didn't make resolutions at all -- give this delicious salad a try.

Arugula, Red Grape and Pecan Salad
(adapted from Fast Flavours by Michael Smith)

For the nuts
1 tsp olive oil
1 Tbsp sugar
1 cup pecan halves (he used walnuts)

For the salad
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp hot sauce
2 cups red grapes, cut in half
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1 ounces (140 grams) arugula

Start with the candied pecans.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Pour the olive oil into a small plastic bag.  Add the sugar and pecans, and toss everything together until the nuts are evenly coated.  Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet, then bake until lightly browned, about 10 minutes. Watch the nuts closely, as they can burn easily.  Let cool.

Meanwhile, whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, honey, salt and hot sauce.  Add the grapes, red onion slices and arugula; toss together thoroughly, evenly distributing the vinaigrette.  Top with the pecans.  Serve.

24 comments:

Vi said...

I love arugula, this salad looks really good. Happy New Year!

Angie's Recipes said...

This salad contains everything I LOVE!
YUM!

grace said...

oh, i love candied pecans. and grapes in salad is something i tried once and will never NOT do again--they're great!

Anonymous said...

Welcome back!

Barbara said...

My resolution will be easy.....get back to normal workouts. The move took so much of my time and energy, I skipped the gym for nearly 2 months. Now I'm back and it's something that makes me feel better, so no problem keeping it up!
Love your take on a healthy salad.

amy (fearless homemaker) said...

I loooove salads but don't make them nearly enough at home. Yours looks fantastic! Happy 2013! =)

Belinda said...

I hear you about no resolutions - might as well just go for good food!

Natalie Aguirre said...

I eat a lot of salads. I'll have to try this. Happy New Year!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a terrific salad.

Anonymous said...

The arugula plus the grapes and nuts sounds fantastic! Happy new year!

Velva said...

If we all ate salads just like this one, the world would be a happier place.

Happy New Year!

Velva

Julie said...

I am always looking for new salads. This looks delicious! Happy New Year!!!

Bonnie said...

The salad looks fabulous! Grapes-- yum!

Food Gal said...

The hot sauce is an inspired addition. I like that surprise of heat in a cold salad. ;)

Jennifer Kendall said...

i love candied pecans, i bet they are such a delicious touch to this salad!

Unknown said...

Beautiful salad-love the combination of flavors(I have everything except the red grapes!) Great recipe to kick off the new year;-)
Happy New Year to you Beth! I look forward to following your travel adventures and recipes in 2013;-)

Vicki Bensinger said...

A lovely salad. I enjoy arugula so much, with it's peppery taste. I'm swearing off salads for a bit since I got food poisoning just before Christmas and my tummy still isn't back to normal. But if I wasn't I'd be sure to try this. I'll have to save it for another day!

Katerina said...

I do not make resolutions either Beth! The salad looks the perfect detox after all the Christmas eating!

Joanne said...

I lOVE the candied nuts in this salad! They would make me want to eat it at every meal!

Elaine said...

A perfectly healthy beginning. The hot sauce must give it just the right amount of kick. Happy New Year, Beth!

Kitchen Riffs said...

I'm with you - if I need to do/change something, I do it right away. Or at least get started on it within a week. ;-) Great salad - love the flavors. I should resolve to try it!

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Lovely salad, Beth! I adore the candied nuts...I'd have to make a double batch :)

Kathy said...

Beautiful salad, Beth! Love the flavors…I love arugula.

Anonymous said...

I love arugula... and candied pecans... and grapes... and homemade dressing... so looks spectacular to me!

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