In winter, I make sure to pump up my intake of vitamin C and other antioxidants and minerals to help protect my body from nasty winter viruses. This Citrus "Super Grain" salad is perfect for that! The term "super grains" stems from the fact that certain grains have exceptional nutritional attributes. Quinoa, amaranth, buckwheat and millet are examples of these types of grains. Their flavor profile is nutty and earthy and goes really well with sweet notes of citrus. I use chopped endive for an exceptionally unique salad that is tasty and nutritious.
I hope your plans for healthy eating this year revolve around experimenting with different foods. That's why I'm using endive here. The same old greens can get boring. Endive livens things up with a slightly bitter kick and a bit of crunch. Don't let it's pale yellow color fool you! This leaf is full of nutrients including antioxidants, vitamin K, magnesium and a powerful flavonoid called kaemperfol, which has been found to inhibit cancer cell growth.
The dressing I use in the salad is just a blend of fresh juice from the naval oranges, dijon mustard and honey! Simple, but so yum!
If you're in the mood for something light and clean, have the salad as is. Or, jazz it up with olives, feta or even top with some avocado if you'd like something with a bit more pizzaz! All of the above combos are delicious and healthy! Hope you enjoy!
Citrusy "Super Grain" Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked super grain mix or grain of choice such as quinoa
- 3 naval oranges 2 oranges peeled and cut into segments + (1 orange squeezed or pressed to obtain about ½ cup juice)
- 2 heads of endive chopped
- handful parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey + more for drizzling
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- coarse salt
- pepper
Instructions
- To make the dressing whisk together orange juice, mustard, honey, oil and a good pinch salt and pepper and set aside.
- To a large bowl add cooked super grain mix, endives and orange segments and pour dressing over top.
- Toss to combine and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Drizzle additional honey over top if desired.
- Add additional salt, pepper to taste.
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I prefer to focus on quality ingredients from a variety of sources that work in tandem to promote optimal health. Nutrition calculations may not reflect these valuable interactions. However, I understand certain values can be helpful to some. Please note these calculations are merely estimates. Values will vary depending on modifications, brands used, and portion size. Should you require specific information, it's best to consult with a dietitian or qualified healthcare provider.
Julie @ Cooks with Cocktails says
I laughed out loud when I read your post. I think it should be mandatory for surprise trips to take place at least 4 weeks after you find out about them. But Im glad you had a great time anyways. It really is hard to find quality time with your partner as the years go by but its so important 🙂 On another note this salad looks awesome and its going on my meal plan for next week!
Donna Castellano says
Oh good! I'm so glad I'm not the only one who feels this way! 4 weeks...I love it...haha! Enjoy the salad!
Cailee says
Awww! You're so cute! Congrats on 17 years of marriage! Also, this recipe looks delightful! I just love it. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Donna Castellano says
Cailee, thank you so much! You made my day!
Rachel @ Simple Seasonal says
I'm totally gushing over this salad. The flavors along with pretty oranges and greens make it look so yummy!
Donna Castellano says
Rachel, thanks for the kind words! It's such a feel good salad! Enjoy and thanks so much for stopping by!
Emilie @ The Clever Carrot says
Donna I love everything about this salad. I'm a huge endive lover, something passed down from my Mom who is the queen of all things bitter. Perfect to balance it out with this dressing! and I can soooooooooo related to where your mind immediately went after you got your big surprise! I would have reacted the exact same way!!!! Very easy to talk yourself out of what could be an amazing time! I'm glad it worked out and look at it this way; You did your spring cleaning early! XO
Donna Castellano says
Thanks so much Emilie! Funny, because many moons ago I never really cared for endive. Now I LOVE it! Glad I'm not alone in my feelings and good point about the cleaning. I will keep that in mind when spring rolls around. haha!!