Roasted Rhubarb and Strawberry Salad

I can't tell when I get more creative about greens, spring, or summer? When spring arrives, and you need a starter, something fresh, light, bright, and tart will put some pep in your step to help make way for the entree without leaving you too full. It's not just the beach body desires that drive the salad train, but honestly, who wants a heavy, hot starter when the temperature is delightful outside, and you're ready to be active?! Need some other ideas for salads? You can check out this website for more, including Kale and Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad with Slivered Almonds, Grilled Avocado and Papaya Salad, Corn, Arugula, and Avocado Salad with a Lemon Vinaigrette, and Mango, Avocado and Cucumber Salad. 

Arugula offers peppery notes while providing bite and body. Strawberries give both sweet and tart notes and go notoriously well with rhubarb. In this case, caramelized from the roasting since you aren't cooking them in sugar as we commonly see in jams and pies. Getting the stalks to caramelize and bring out the flavour with salt and pepper is the next best thing. The almonds add texture and a nutty flavour are a popular choice in the spring, and the cheese adds just the right touch of umami, tied together by the olive oil and seasoning.

When is Rhubarb in Season?

In the United States, as soon as spring hits, expect to see these red stalks! From early April through June, you won't come up short. 

How to Prepare Rhubarb

The first thing to note is if you get a bunch and they still have leaves, toss them! Rhubarb leaves have toxic levels of oxlic, and you don't want that in your system. Rhubarb is an excellent addition to salads in the spring and is center stage in this dish. You can wash them, peel them to remove the skin, cut the thick, tough ends off, and slice the stalks into pieces that are easy to chew - think of rhubarb like celery, only more interesting to work with in the kitchen! 

There is no need to add vinegar to this salad, as the berries and rhubarb hold their own against the olive oil from the acidity and tartness. The sour but sweet combination provides a delightful pop in the mouth, allowing you to enjoy something decadent later in the meal, such as a grilled fish or lamb roast! 

Yield: -2+

Author: Dontmissmyplate

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Roasted Rhubarb and Strawberry Salad

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You can do more with rhubarb than heat it with sugars and fruits to make pastries and jam. Roast these red stalks to caramelize and add them to a fresh salad for a tart bite!

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 12 MinTotal time: 22 Min

Ingredients

• 1 cup strawberries, halved
• 5-ounces arugula
• 1 1/2 - 2 rhubarb stalks
• 1 tablespoon steak seasoning
• 1/4 cup shaved parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
• 2 teaspoons + 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions Fahrenheit Celsius

1. Turn the oven on to 400F/200C.
2. Wash and part dry the rhubarb. Cut off the rough ends and peel the stalks.
3. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Toss the rhubarb in 2 teaspoons of olive oil and seasoning in a bowl.
4. Transfer the stalks to the baking tray, and bake for 10-12 minutes until softened.
5. Lay the bed of arugula in the serving bowl. Add the strawberries, nuts, and rhubarb. Add the remaining olive oil and toss to coat the leaves evenly. Top with the almonds and cheese, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

326

Fat (grams)

27.3

Carbs (grams)

12.7

Protein (grams)

13

I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on dontmissmyplate.com should only be used as a general guideline.

Please credit dontmissmyplate.

Grilled Avocado and Papaya Salad

What happens when you bring your favourite fruits together? Absolute glory! It's not a secret that I'm a massive fan of both papaya (or pawpaw rather) and avocado. I love the taste and the textures. Both are versatile and plentiful in Zimbabwe, where I grew up. Still, although eating them raw is considered the healthiest way, I don't see what's wrong with throwing them on the grill for a little bit! You get those gorgeous marks and depth of the flavour while still maintaining some of the fruit's integrity.

As the weather warms, I also highly recommend getting a grill pan. You won't always be able to go outside but will want that effect. You can get the one I use on Amazon; here is the link. I’m a big believer in stocking up for the season by the way, get your kitchen essentials ready).

I'm happy with it so far; it's worth the investment!

Cainfy Round Grill Pan

As far as the treatment of each of these fruits, I pretty much did the same thing. Tossed in olive oil, herbs, and chilli flakes, the papaya's main differences were the nutmeg, the avocado the balsamic.

Note that when you're handling these, especially the avocado, careful not to break your slices! Use a small pair of kitchen tweezers or tongs to help.

I recommend this colourful, simple salad mix. You can get pretty creative with the additional elements. Enjoy!

Ingredients

1 whole avocado, sliced thickly

1/2 pawpaw/papaya, diced

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon cracked pepper

1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon truffle oil

1/4 cup sour cream or burrata

1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 tablespoon fresh thyme

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Mint leaves

Fresh parsley

Goat cheese

Parmesan shavings

Instructions

In one medium-sized bowl, toss the avocado with 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon cracked pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.

In another bowl, toss the the diced pawpaw in 1/2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon cracked pepper, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning.

Spray your grill pan and it over medium-high heat. Place the fruits on opposite sides of the pan to avoid muddling flavors, and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye, you want the flavours to seep in and to get the grill marks and char but don’t want to burn anything. if you need to add a bit more oil to finish off you can do so.

Once you are ready to serve, drizzle with the truffle oil, and season with extra black pepper, chili flakes, serving the the sour cream, and garnish with mint leaves and fresh parsley. This salad can serve two as a light start, or you can double the recipe quantities for more.