One of our neighborhood surf shops has a terrific cafe where the tastiest vegetarian salads are sold. Some of the ones I’ve eaten there served as inspiration for this. It would be a lovely salad alternative for the holidays with the cranberries and Brussels sprouts, as well as a sweet ginger and Dijon dressing. The ideal way to use up any leftover grains, roasted or raw vegetables, cheese of any kind, dried fruits, or nuts. It can be divided up into meal-prep containers for weekday lunches or served in one large dish at the table.
| Prep Time: | 20 mins |
| Total Time: | 20 mins |
| Servings: | 6 |
| Yield: | 6 servings |
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons agave syrup
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 1 (1/2 inch) piece fresh ginger root, grated
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon water, or to taste
- 2 cups arugula
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 ½ cups chopped, trimmed fresh Brussels sprouts
- 7 ounces cubed Cheddar cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 2 medium avocados, peeled and diced
- 3 tablespoons sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Combine Dijon mustard, cider vinegar, olive oil, agave, garlic, ginger, and salt for dressing in a small bowl; whisk to combine. Add water and whisk until dressing is desired consistency.
- Combine arugula, rice, Brussels sprouts, Cheddar cheese, and cranberries in a serving bowl. Add dressing and toss until evenly distributed. Top with avocados and sprinkle with sunflower seeds.
- You can use honey or maple syrup in the dressing in place of agave. Try spinach or kale (or massaged kale!) in place of arugula.
- To keep this from being overly sweet, use dried cranberries with 50% less sugar.
- If meal prepping, divide salad into small containers and refrigerate. Add avocado, sunflower seeds, and dressing just before eating.
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 451 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 40 g |
| Cholesterol | 35 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 8 g |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Sugars | 13 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 0 g |
Reviews
Made for dinner. All 6 of us agreed it was a keeper. Made exactly as written.