Cherry, Pistachio, Arugula, and Spinach Salad

I recently went to my friend Carolyn’s birthday party and another one of her guest’s had made this delicious salad and I was instantly in love. I had to get the recipe, and I just made it at home for dinner. Couldn’t stop eating it. CRAZY GOOD!

Here it is, with a touch of tweaking:

Cherry, Pistachio, Arugula, and Spinach Salad Serves: 4 Prep Time 20 mins
Ingredients:

4 c baby arugula
2 c baby spinach
1/4 c thinly sliced red onion
1/2 c radicchio (optional)

Toppings:

1 cup pitted halved fresh Rainier cherries
1 ounce crumbled feta (about 1/4 cup) (optional)
1/4 cup salted dry-roasted pistachios

Dressing:

1 1/2 Tbs fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp honey
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
2 Tbs extra virgin olive oil

Note: I didn’t follow the proportions exactly, and it was still delicious

Method:

1. Combine arugula, spinach, and onion in a large bowl.

2. Combine juice, mustard, honey, salt, black pepper, and garlic in a medium bowl. Gradually drizzle in olive oil, stirring constantly with a whisk (I just shook everything up in a glass jar – lazy!). Drizzle dressing over salad, and toss gently to coat.

3. Arrange 1.5 cups salad on each of 4 salad plates.

4. Top each serving with 1/4 cup cherries, 1 Tbs cheese(optional), and 1 Tbs nuts.

Cherry Goodness and Insomnia Connection:

Cherries are rich in beta carotene, potassium, magnesium, iron, fiber and folate, and are full of vitamin C, which builds immunity and protects blood vessels. This antioxidant-rich fruit also contain melatonin, which has been found to help regulate the body’s natural sleep patterns, aid with jet lag, prevent memory loss and delay the aging process. So if you are having a hard time going to sleep, June is cherry season – a perfect time to grab a few of these precious gems before bed.

Are you having trouble with sleep? Let me know. There are so many easy things that can be done to help you get a good night’s rest.