Arugula and blueberry salad with caramelized sunflower seeds
A salad recipe, although not a very typical or well-known one. Arugula on its own, yes; goat cheese as well; blueberries, of course; and seeds, why not. But all together? It may surprise you, but yes—the flavor is extraordinary, and the strawberry vinaigrette gives it the perfect finishing touch.
That said, the seeds on their own wouldn’t say much. The real trick of this recipe lies in their caramelization, and they are so delicious that you won’t be able to resist snacking on a few before they make it into the salad. No problem—just make a few extra and enjoy them while you prepare everything.
Ingredients for 2 people
200 g arugula
100 g fresh blueberries
4 slices of goat cheese log
75 g shelled sunflower seeds
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 tablespoon butter
1/2 tablespoon olive oil (I used extra virgin)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
For the strawberry vinaigrette
4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 teaspoon mustard (preferably Dijon)
2 tablespoons strawberry jam
Ground black pepper
Sea salt
Preparation
First, caramelize the seeds using the oven. Start by preheating it to 190ºC for about 5 minutes (remove the tray beforehand).
The most important thing is that the butter is melted, so if it isn’t yet, heat it for a few seconds in the microwave or in a pan over low heat.
Once melted, mix it with the olive oil and honey, stirring until combined.
Add the seeds and mix until they are all coated in the mixture.
Line the baking tray with parchment paper and spread the seeds evenly in small clusters.
Bake them for a maximum of 10 minutes (be careful not to burn them), and once out of the oven, sprinkle them with sea salt. Let them cool completely on the tray.
Now for the vinaigrette: first mix the mustard with the jam, and once combined, add the oil and then the rice vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Finally, assemble the salad. Start with the arugula, then add the blueberries, followed by the goat cheese slices cut into pieces. Sprinkle the caramelized seeds on top and dress with the vinaigrette to taste.
Notes
You can enjoy the caramelized seeds as a snack on their own—they’re delicious.
This oven caramelization technique also works well with peanuts, walnuts, and other nuts.
You can garnish the salad with halved strawberries or add pieces of strawberry as an extra ingredient.