How To Make Healthy and Delicious Farro and Tomato Salad

 "Inside every seed is the potential for an incredible harvest."

- Farrah Gray.

Ripe, juicy, and sweet tomatoes are full of nutrients such as potassium, Vitamin B, E, C, and a substance called lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of cancer and heart disease.  Tomatoes are also a good source of fiber, approx. 1.5 grams per (average-size) tomato.  

Farro on the other hand is a nutritious grain that has been around for thousands of years.  It has a nutty taste and a chewy texture (light brown in color) and is packed full of protein, fiber, minerals, B vitamins, magnesium and, antioxidants.   You can cook Farro in place of white rice for dinner and it can be used as an ingredient in stews, soups, and, salads.  See recipe below:

 Farro and Tomato Salad

Ingredients:

1 1/2 c. farro

4 tbsp. olive oil, divided 

3 tbsp. small capers patted dry

2 c. fresh flat-leaf parsley 

3 tbsp. sherry vinegar

Kosher salt 

Freshly ground black pepper

1 1/2 lb. 

mixed

 

colors grape and

 

cherry tomatoes,

 

halved

Directions:

1. Cook farro according to package directions. 
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add capers and cook, until crisp, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Cook parsley in the same skillet, in two batches, until crisp;
   transfer to plate with capers, adding another tablespoon oil to skillet between batches.
3. Whisk together vinegar and the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Add tomatoes and farro and toss to combine. 
4. Top with crispy capers and parsley just before serving.

Makes 8 servings.

Prep Time - approx. 20 mins

                                                          Healthy Farro and Tomato Salad

                                                     Source:  Country Living Magazine

Looking for smoothies?:  healthy cocktails

 

Dinner Ideas - How To Make Snap Pea Salad With Tarragon Dressing

 "To keep the body in good health is a duty"

                              - Buddha

Nourishing our bodies with healthy food is a must especially during these extraordinary times.  Protecting our cells from damage and boosting our immune system requires the intake of certain foods, i.e. salads.  

Snap Pea Salad is not only nutritious but visually pleasing as well.  Sugar Snap Peas contain vitamin A essential for keeping your immune system healthy.  It is also loaded with vitamin C, iron, beta-carotene, magnesium, and fiber.  If you are looking for an alternative to your usual salad try this quick and easy salad, see below for details:

SNAP PEA SALAD WITH TARRAGON DRESSING

Ingredients:

8 ounces sugar snap peas, sliced lengthwise

1 cup shredded Napa cabbage

1 cup shredded red cabbage

1 large carrot, cut into matchsticks

1/2 cup toasted cashews

2 scallions

1 tsp. toasted sesame seeds

Tarragon Dressing:

3 tbs. avocado oil

2 tbs. rice vinegar

2 tbs. chopped tarragon

1 tsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. grated ginger

1/2 tsp. honey

Kosher salt and black pepper

Directions:

1.  In a large bowl whisk together the dressing ingredients and season with salt and pepper.

2.  Add all the salad ingredients to the bowl (excluding sesame seeds) and toss. 
     Season with salt and pepper.  

3.  Serve salad topped with extra cashews and chopped tarragon. 
     Sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds. 

A quick and simple salad to eat any time or as a side salad with your Thanksgiving dinner.  Enjoy!

 

                                                      Source:  Shape Magazine