2+1 nutritious seasonal salads with walnuts - Strengthen the immune system!

The time is coming and now we can serve at our table the freshest fruits and vegetables that will keep us healthy and strong, for the difficult winter that comes in the middle of a pandemic. In this blog you will find our suggestions for a detox but also ideas for quick and healthy meals that will keep you healthy.

In September we can find in abundance a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables that make us enjoy every meal. For this reason, we remind you that this month you can find delicious vegetables such as beet, carrot, leek, zucchini, aubergine and arugula. As for fruits, this season you should choose the prickly pear, the grape, the pear, the plum and the melon. 

Tip: Something you may not known is that even nuts have their own season. This month, make sure that you will boost your immune system with the most nutritious almonds, walnuts and pistachios.

But what can you do with all these ingredients? The most healthy answer is "Salad". And because apart from the recipe, the presentation is the final touch, take care of the dish or the salad bowl that you will choose giving in that way an extra flavor to your meal.

Salad No1: Beetroot salad with yogurt and walnuts

If the combination sounds strange to you, do not be afraid, we guarantee that you will love it!

You will need:

500 gr. of boiled beets

300 gr. strained yogurt

2 tablespoons cream cheese

2 cloves garlic

2 tablespoons vinegar

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped mint

1/2 cup crushed walnuts

to serve: salt and arugula 

We start by cleaning and cutting the beets that we have boiled into small pieces. Then place them in a bowl, add the mashed garlic, the cream cheese with the yogurt, the vinegar, the olive oil, the mint, the nuts and salt. Stir and place the salad in the fridge. Serve with a little arugula and yogurt.

Tip: How to select fresh beets?

Their leaves should be dark green and their bulb should be smooth, tight and without cracks.

Salad No2: Salad with pear, parmesan, walnuts

You will need:

4 medium pears

1½ tablespoon sugar

6 tablespoons olive oil

5 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon thyme honey

1 lola green

1 salad

50 gr. of parmesan flakes

1 cup walnuts

salt

freshly ground pepper

Put the pears in a bowl and add the sugar, a pinch of salt, a little pepper and mix well. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil in a non-stick pan on medium to high heat. Add the pears  with the cut side down and let them caramelize for 3 minutes. Turn them on the other side and cook them for another 2-3 minutes. Then, put into the hot pan 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar and mix gently. At the same time, whisk in a bowl 4 tablespoons of olive oil, 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar and honey. Once combined, add the selected salads and the caramelized pears with all their syrup. Stir gently and serve the salad in a salad bowl with the parmesan peels and the walnuts.

Salad No3: Salad with mushrooms, apple and walnuts

For the vinaigrette:

1 teaspoon mustard

1 teaspoon honey

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil

salt

For the salad:

200 gr. fresh mixed mushrooms

1 mixed ready salad 160 gr.

100 gr. valerian

1 red apple

1/2 cup walnuts

100 gr. grated cheese mixture

Put the mushrooms in a bowl and marinate them with a little vinegar, salt, a little olive oil and stir for 5 minutes. For the vinaigrette, beat all the ingredients together. On a plate put the salad of your choice, the valerian, the walnuts, the chopped apple and finally the marinated mushrooms. Sprinkle the salad with grated cheese, vinaigrette and enjoy.

Let's do a detox together and let's follow a healthiest lifestyle with the freshest ingredients, to strengthen our body against any threat.

Sources: www.olivemagazine.gr & www.argiro.gr