It’s important to eat as seasonally as possible, as frequently as possible.
It is also important to be realistic and to make your meals simple, especially during the busy work-week. That’s why I love this delicious salad—it’s hearty enough to pair with a simple protein to make a perfect meal, yet elegant enough to serve dinner guests. And if you’ve never had grilled pears, now’s the time to start.
The arugula base in this dish provides a healthy dose of Vitamin A, C, and K in addition to lots of iron and copper. You’ll get your healthy fat fix from the avocado, as well as to folate and fiber. Pistachios are a wonderful source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. Last but not least, raspberries are sky high in antioxidants, plus they add a beautiful, rich color.
Winter Pear and Pistachio Salad
Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
2 cups arugula, chopped
1/4 cup raspberries, crushed
1 avocado, peeled and chopped
2 ripe pears
1 lemon slice
1/4 cup pistachios, shelled and toasted
1/8 cup crumbled goat cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat a grill over medium heat.
Slice your pears away from their core, and brush with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and grill flesh side down for three minutes. Turn over and grill two more minutes skin side down.
While the pears are cooling, add the arugula, raspberries, pistachios, and goat cheese to a bowl. Squeeze a little lemon on top.
Chop pears and avocado, and add to bowl, then squeeze a little more lemon.
Dress with a simple balsamic vinaigrette and enjoy!
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Michaela is a certified holistic health and lifestyle coach through the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and a registered yoga teacher. She lives in Los Angeles, CA, where she works as a part of Wanderlust Media. In addition to her dedicated yoga practice, Michaela loves music, travel, cooking and eating healthy food (of course), and spending time with her family and friends.