Looking back and reflecting on 2018 I’ve realized what a truly amazing year it’s been. We saw so much growth and new opportunities in 2018. I feel like I was able to develop an even deeper connection with you guys through both the blog and Instagram. I’m so grateful to have done so much with you all. I also feel I have a better focus on what I’m trying to achieve, which is both motivating and exciting. So, with an incredible 2018 behind us, I am so excited for 2019. And I have a really good feeling that it will be just as amazing, if not better. We have a fun announcement coming soon, more on the studio barn, and we’ll be looking to bring on some new team members in the very, very near future! I normally dread the month of January, but this year it holds so much excitement. What are you guys looking forward to most this year?
Since it’s a new year, let’s start it off right with a big green salad that’s not only healthy, but delicious too. Today marks the start of Healthy January 2019. And while I debated on whether or not to kick things off with a salad. I just couldn’t help myself, I was too excited about this salad to wait. So salad it is.
This might come as a surprise, but I love a good salad. And when I say a good salad, I mean a salad that’s packed with greens, vegetables, fruits, cheese, avocado…the works. No boring salads around here. I threw together a sun-dried tomato salad for Christmas dinner. I was so in love with the flavors and textures of that salad that I decided to re-create it for the blog. This salad is loaded with both kale and arugula, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, carrots, fresh herbs, and plenty of avocado. The sun-dried tomatoes are KEY. It’s important to find a good brand of oil packed sun-dried tomatoes because I love using the seasoned oil for the salad’s vinaigrette. Not only does the seasoned oil add flavor to your vinaigrette, but it saves you from having to use extra olive oil (it should be extra virgin olive oil, I love this brand). I did a very simple lemon honey vinaigrette with a touch of red pepper flakes for heat. I love the lemon with the sun-dried tomatoes, Tuscan kale, arugula, and feta. It feels very Mediterranean.
For a good crunch, I added toasted pine nuts, and buttery crisped chickpeas. I cooked them with some fresh oregano and a little flaky sea salt…delish! Also, can I just say that these chickpeas on their own are completely addicting? The secret is pan frying them in a small amount of butter (yes, I’m telling you to enjoy some butter in January, it’s ok, a good thing). The chickpeas become crisp on the outside but stay soft on the inside. And when finished off with sea salt? Delicious. I love pouring the warm chickpeas right over the salad and then tossing everything together. The heat from the chickpeas helps to break down the kale and really mends all the flavors together. Finish with an avocado and feta cheese for the best wintry salad that’s full of deliciousness with every last bite. Promise, this salad is not too good to be true. My suggestion? Make this for dinner one night this week. Then save the leftovers for lunch the following day. The salad keeps really well in the fridge, so it’s great for packing up and taking to work!
If you make this super green salad, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
