Ingredients

The following ingredients have 2 Servings
  • 1/2 cup raw pecan halves
  • 1 1/2 Tbsp coconut oil ((or sub vegan butter or olive oil // melted))
  • 1 Tbsp coconut sugar, brown sugar, or cane sugar
  • 1 pinch each sea salt, ground cinnamon and cayenne pepper
  • 3 Tbsp olive oil ((divided))
  • 2 medium shallots ((thinly sliced))
  • 1 pinch each sea salt and pepper ((~1/8th tsp as original recipe is written))
  • 1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 1-2 Tbsp maple syrup ((or sub other sweetener of choice))
  • 1 1/2 cups hulled quartered strawberries ((organic when possible))
  • 7 ounces arugula ((organic when possible))
  • 3 Tbsp hemp seeds

Instruction

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (176 C) and place pecans on a foil- or parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 8 minutes.
  • In the meantime, add coconut oil, coconut sugar, sea salt, cinnamon and cayenne pepper to a small mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Remove toasted pecans from oven and toss with spice mixture. Spread back onto the baking sheet and toast for another 4-7 minutes or until fragrant and golden brown, being careful not to burn.
  • Once out of the oven, let cool briefly and then sample to test flavor. Toss with a touch more salt or coconut sugar as needed. Set aside to cool.
  • While the pecans are roasting, heat a small saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add 1/3 of the olive oil (1 Tbsp as original recipe is written) and all of the shallot. Sauté until soft and fragrant - 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
  • Add shallot to blender or food processor with balsamic vinegar, remaining olive oil (2 Tbsp as original recipe is written), maple syrup and a pinch each salt and pepper. Blend until completely pureed. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Add arugula, hemp seeds, strawberries and most of the roasted pecans to a large mixing bowl and top with 2-3 Tbsp dressing (as original recipe is written // adjust if altering batch size). Gently toss to combine.
  • Plate salad and garnish with remaining pecans. Serve additional dressing on the side. Serves 2 as an entrée or 4 as a side dish. Best when fresh.