Peppery arugula and sweet berries are perfectly dressed in a sweet and tart vinaigrette. Add some Paleo Candied Walnuts and you’ll fall in love with this salad!

Why Arugula is So Good For You!

Arugula, also known as Italian cress, rucola, or salad rocket, is a member of the brassica or cruciferous family of produce. Although you can get arugula year round, its peak season is in early spring and fall when it is the most nutritious and tastes the best. Besides being packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, arugula contains a compound known as glucosinolates that gives arugula its distinctive flavor and lots of healthful benefits!

Glucosinolates are found in cruciferous vegetables like arugula, broccoli and Brussels sprouts and have been shown to support anti-inflammation within the body, have antioxidant properties in protecting cells from oxidative stress, kill cancer cells and stop the growth of tumors [1].

Vitamins

• Vitamin A (beta-carotene): A fat soluble vitamin that is a powerful antioxidant supporting healthy vision, immune function, cell growth, and brain function.
• Vitamin B9 (folate): Essential vitamin that supports neural tube development during pregnancy, the production of red blood cells and the production of genetic material [2].
• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid): A powerful antioxidant that supports healthy immune function, and the absorption of non-heme iron.
• Vitamin K: Fat soluble vitamin that supports the body’s ability to form blood clots and is converted to vitamin K2 in the gut and supports healthy bones [3].

Minerals

• Calcium: The most abundant mineral in the body and is essential in maintaining health teeth and bones as well as heart, muscle and nerve function [4].
• Potassium: An essential electrolyte necessary in nervous system function, metabolism, hydration, and in regulating your heartbeat [5].

So grab some nutrient dense arugula and let’s get cooking!

Arugula and Summer Fruit Salad Ingredients

4 cups Arugula

1/2 cup Strawberries, quartered

2-3 Black Mission Figs, quartered

2 Tbsp Lemon Shallot Vinaigrette

2 Tbsp Paleo Candied Walnuts

How to Make Arugula and Summer Fruit Salad

In a large bowl, add arugula and vinaigrette and toss to coat. Add to a plate and top with strawberries, figs, and walnuts!

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