Nitrate Salad

Nitrate Salad

Arugula is not my favorite salad green.  But I know a lot of people like it. 

Interesting thing is that arugula has more nitrate per serving than bacon! Think on tat.  Don't worry, I'll write more on this.

 But in the meantime I'm sending you a salad with arugula that I do like!

Pear and Goat Cheese Salad 

Notes: Roasted or Baked pears can be substituted for fresh pears.

•           You can substitute a regular vinaigrette for the balsamic reduction sauce.
•           Roasted pine nuts are nice but any type of crispy nut would be nice.  I've
•           had this with roasted chickpea - it was very good.
•           I would recommend MORE cheese - two tablespoons is barely enough to taste!

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 pears, cored and sliced thinly
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
• 10 cups trimmed baby arugula
• 2 tablespoons crumbled goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

Instructions:

Balsamic Reduction Sauce:

1. Bring the vinegar to a slow boil over medium-high heat.
2. Reduce heat, and simmer for 2 minutes. The vinegar will start to resemble a syrup.
3. Remove the pan from heat, and add the honey. Set aside while you assemble the salad.

Salad

1. Drain arugula and set aside. (The drier, the better.)
2. Toss the arugula with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the pears,, cheese, pine nuts, and balsamic reduction.
4. Serve immediately.