Emerald Crunch
Emerald Crunch is a vibrant salad known for its fresh and crunchy textures, making it a favorite choice for health enthusiasts and those craving a nutritionally balanced meal. Its origins can be traced back to the lush landscapes of the Mediterranean, where fresh produce and the bounty of nature take center stage. With its emerald green hues and crisp crunch, this salad brings the essence of spring and summer to your table all year round.
Ingredients
- Spinach - 2 cups fresh
- Kale - 1 cup, chopped
- Avocado - 1 ripe, diced
- Cucumber - 1 medium, sliced
- Green bell pepper - 1, diced
- Green apple - 1, thinly sliced
- Walnuts - 1/4 cup, chopped
- Pumpkin seeds - 2 tablespoons
- Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
- Lemon juice - from 1 lemon
- Honey - 1 tablespoon
- Salt - to taste
- Black pepper - to taste
Preparation
Before preparation, ensure that you have all the essential kitchen tools ready, such as a chopping board, a sharp knife, a sizable mixing bowl, and a salad spinner.
Step 1: Prepare the Greens
- Rinse the spinach and kale thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt and pesticides. Use a salad spinner to dry them completely.
- Chop the kale leaves into smaller pieces, discarding any thick stems to ensure tender bites.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Fruits
- Avocado: Cut in half, remove the pit, scoop the flesh, and dice it into medium cubes.
- Cucumber: Slice it thinly after peeling off the skin, if desired.
- Green bell pepper: Remove seeds and stem, dice into small pieces.
- Green apple: Slice thinly for a crisp, tart addition. Consider leaving the skins on for added fiber.
Step 3: Prepare the Nuts and Seeds
- Lightly toast the walnuts and pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they begin to brown and become fragrant. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes; keep stirring to avoid burning.
Assembling the Salad
With all the elements prepared, it's time to bring them together. This delicious Emerald Crunch is quick to assemble and can be prepared while the nuts are cooling.
- In a large bowl, combine the spinach and kale.
- Add the chopped avocado, cucumber, green bell pepper, and green apple.
- Sprinkle over the toasted walnuts and pumpkin seeds.
Making the Dressing
The dressing is what ties the salad together, providing a burst of flavor with each bite.
Step 1: Blend the Ingredients
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, and honey.
- Add salt and black pepper to taste.
- Continue whisking until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is emulsified.
Step 2: Dress the Salad
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Toss the salad gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Enjoying the Meal
Emerald Crunch is best served immediately to enjoy the vibrant flavors and crisp textures. This salad can be a standalone dish or paired with a protein of your choice for a complete meal.
- As an accompaniment to grilled chicken or fish, it makes for a balanced meal.
- For a vegetarian meal, consider pairing with a hearty soup or bread.
- The salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to one day in the fridge, but fresh preparation is always preferred to maintain its crunchy nature.