This substantial salad packs a lot of flavor into each bite with its winning combination of peppery arugula, seasoned walnuts, tart apples, sharp blue cheese, and a nicely sweetened vinaigrette. It’s a perfect recipe to complement your healthy lifestyle, aligning with the principles of functional medicine Los Angeles, which emphasizes the importance of nutrient-dense, whole foods.
Arugula is extremely easy to grow from seed in containers or in your garden. Plus, it thrives in the cooler months of spring or fall, making it a fantastic choice for hearty, fall-themed salads like this one. , where balance and vitality are key.
Tip: To remove the sharp taste from red onion, place the slices in a small bowl filled with cold water. Soak for 10-15 minutes. Remove from water and pay dry before serving.
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Serves: 4
Ingredients:
- 4 c. arugula, rinsed and patted dry
- 6 oz. walnuts, chopped
- 2 T. honey, preferably local
- 2t. ground cinnamon
- 2 tart apples, cut in half, core removed, and cut into thin slices
- 1 T. fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced thin
- 4 oz. blue cheese, crumbled
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Vinaigrette:
- 1/4 c. white balsamic vinegar
- 2 T. honey, preferably local
- 1 t. Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, finely minced
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 c. extra virgin olive oil
Directions:
- Place top oven rack in the center position and pre-heat oven to 350°F.
- In a small bowl, toss walnuts with honey and cinnamon until evenly coated. Arrange walnuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat™ baking mat.
- Place baking sheet in pre-heated oven and bake for 8-10 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
- While the walnuts are toasting, prepare the vinaigrette by combining the white balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and garlic in a small glass bowl. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Slowly whisk in the olive oil until well combined. Taste and adjust other flavors, as desired. Set aside.
- Add sliced apples to large salad bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice. Toss until well coated. Add arugula, seasoned walnuts, red onion slices, and blue cheese to bowl and gently toss to combine.
- Drizzle salad with a little vinaigrette right before serving and toss to combine. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side. Enjoy!
This recipe not only satisfies your taste buds but also aligns with wellness-focused eating habits inspired by functional medicine Studio City, where whole-body health is prioritized.
Whether you’re preparing this dish for a dinner party or as part of your daily meal plan, it’s a reminder that healthy eating can also be delicious and satisfying. By incorporating recipes like this into your routine, you’re embracing the core values of Los Angeles functional medicine—prioritizing natural, wholesome choices for optimal well-being.
Ready to transform your health journey? Contact Functional Medicine Los Angeles today to start your path toward better health and vitality!