Looking for a quick salad to serve on a hot summers day? Look no further! This Watermelon Salad with Arugula. pine nuts, Kalamata Olives, Pecorino cheese, and a Balsamic reduction is so refreshing to eat and quick to prepare.
Create individual servings using one large square, rectangle, or triangle, you get the picture, or cut the whole watermelon into chunks. Then add the toppings and you’re set to go.
Did you know that this refreshing fruit consists of mostly water — approximately 92 percent, and is soaked with nutrients? Each juicy bite contains vitamins A, B6, C, lycopene (anti-inflamatory), antioxidants, amino acids, and potassium.
These nutrients when ingested help to lower the risk of heart disease, reduce hypertension, cholesterol, and lower blood pressure in obese adults. In addition watermelon:
Since Watermelon is fat-free, low in sodium and has only 40 calories per cup it makes the perfect summertime snack.
Of course, if you cut up a huge watermelon and worry that you won’t be able to finish it before it goes bad, then juice it! Watermelon juice is known to provide a slew of benefits as well.
Drinking watermelon juice before an intense workout helps reduce next-day muscle soreness and heart rate. This can be attributed to watermelon’s amino acids citrulline and arginine, which help improve circulation. In fact citrulline has been noted to also improve athletic performance.
The next time you reach for a post work out drink that contains L-citrulline, reach for a wedge of watermelon or watermelon juice instead. The restorative amino acid helps accelerate the rate of lactic acid removal from your muscles, giving you a quicker recovery time after your tough workout. Because watermelon has a high water content, it will help you rehydrate in one of the most delicious ways possible.
Simply fill up your blender with chunks of watermelon, seeds included, and puree. Then strain through a fine mesh sieve. and serve for a cold refreshing and healthy beverage.
Besides all these health benefits, eating watermelon is just plain good! It’s refreshing, quenching, satisfies your sweet tooth all while filling you up.
This simple recipe below can be modified any way you choose. Cut up your entire watermelon in chunks or individual large pieces. Then top with the arugula, micro-greens, pine nuts, Pecorino cheese, Kalamata olives and Balsamic reduction.
If you prefer other greens or olives then change these out. Maybe you’d prefer feta instead of Pecorino, or a different vinaigrette. It’s your recipe, so change it up to suit your taste.
No matter how you cut it, or dress your watermelon, it’s sure to please. Here’s my recipe – I hope you’ll give it a try!
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Tools used to create this dish: