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!
Roasted Rhubarb and Strawberry Salad
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
- Turn the oven on to 400F/200C.
- Wash and part dry the rhubarb. Cut off the rough ends and peel the stalks.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Toss the rhubarb in 2 teaspoons of olive oil and seasoning in a bowl.
- Transfer the stalks to the baking tray, and bake for 10-12 minutes until softened.
- 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
326Fat (grams)
27.3Carbs (grams)
12.7Protein (grams)
13I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on dontmissmyplate.com should only be used as a general guideline.