Best Apricot And Arugula Salad With Fresh Ricotta Recipes

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ARUGULA SALAD WITH GRILLED APRICOTS AND PISTACHIOS



Arugula Salad With Grilled Apricots and Pistachios image

Pungent arugula contrasts beautifully with fruit of all kinds. Grilling the apricots deepens their flavor and makes them stand out against the arugula even more. You'll be able to make this beautiful salad only during the summer's short apricot season, and even then, you should buy the fruits at the farmers' market so you can sample them to make sure they are juicy and sweet.

Provided by Martha Rose Shulman

Categories     dinner, lunch, quick, salads and dressings, appetizer

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

4 cups arugula, preferably wild arugula, washed and spun dry
Scant 1/4 cup pistachios (about 1 ounce), lightly toasted and chopped
1 tablespoon chopped slivered basil leaves
1 tablespoon sherry vinegar
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper
4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 ounces goat cheese or feta, crumbled
8 small or 6 large ripe apricots

Steps:

  • Heat a griddle over a hot grill or burner, or preheat an indoor grill.
  • Combine arugula, half the pistachios, and basil in a large bowl.
  • Whisk together vinegars, salt and pepper, and 3 tablespoons of the olive oil.
  • Cut apricots in half and remove pits. Brush cut side with remaining olive oil. Grill for about 2 minutes on the cut side, until seared but intact. Remove from the heat.
  • Toss together arugula mixture, dressing and half the apricots. Arrange on a platter. Arrange the remaining apricots, goat cheese or feta and remaining pistachios over the top, and serve.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 247, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams, Carbohydrate 13 grams, Fat 20 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 4 grams, Sodium 345 milligrams, Sugar 9 grams

ARUGULA SALAD WITH PEAR, BLUE CHEESE AND APRICOT VINAIGRETTE



Arugula Salad with Pear, Blue Cheese and Apricot Vinaigrette image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     appetizer

Time 10m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 bunches arugula, washed and dried, stems trimmed (Look for 5 or 6 ounce sacks of washed and trimmed arugula leaves, available in some markets)
1 head bibb lettuce, torn
1 ripe pear, thinly sliced
1/2 lemon, juiced
8 ounces Maytag or other blue cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1/4 cup apricot all fruit spread, found near jams and jellies (preferred brand Polaner)
1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, eyeball the amount
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Combine arugula leaves and bibb lettuce in a salad bowl. Squeeze a little lemon juice over pear slices to keep them from browning. Arrange them on top of lettuces. Top salad with blue cheese crumbles. Combine vinegar and apricot preserves. Stream in oil as you whisk dressing. Pour dressing over salad, season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and serve.

APRICOT AND ARUGULA SALAD WITH FRESH RICOTTA



Apricot and Arugula Salad with Fresh Ricotta image

This salad is a delightful interplay of sweet, creamy, tangy, and peppery flavors. If you prefer, you can swap in ricotta salata or a mild feta for the ricotta; both are saltier than fresh ricotta, so skip the seasoning with zest, salt, and pepper. Apricots have but a brief appearance even at the peak of their season. If you miss them, you can substitute with any other stone fruit. White nectarines, peaches, pluots, or plums would be particularly nice. In the fall, sliced fuyu persimmons are perfect. Whatever fruit you use, just make sure it's ripe and flavorful.

Yield SERVES 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

1/4 cup fresh ricotta
1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon cider vinegar, more as needed
1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 cups lightly packed baby arugula (about 2 1/2 ounces)
3 medium apricots, cut into 1/4-inch wedges

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, zest, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Set aside.
  • Combine the vinegar, mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Whisk to blend, and continue to whisk as you drizzle in the olive oil.
  • Put the arugula and apricots in a large bowl, drizzle about two-thirds of the dressing over, and toss gently but thoroughly with your hands. Toss and taste the salad. Add more dressing or vinegar, salt, and pepper as needed. Spread on a serving platter, or divide among 4 salad plates.
  • Scatter teaspoonfuls of the ricotta mixture over the salad.
  • Make extra of the ricotta mixture and spread it on bruschetta or toast.

Apricot and Arugula Salad with Fresh Ricotta Recipes

Apricot and arugula salad with fresh ricotta recipes is a perfect combination of sweet and tangy flavors. This dish is not only delicious but also healthy and easy to make. Whether you serve it as a side dish or a main course, this salad will provide your palate with a burst of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
  • 6-8 cups arugula
  • 1/2 cup fresh ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup dried apricots, sliced
  • 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions
  1. Wash the arugula leaves thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to make a dressing.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the arugula with the dressing to coat it evenly.
  4. Add the sliced apricots and toasted pine nuts to the salad, and toss again.
  5. Crumble the fresh ricotta cheese over the salad just before serving.
  6. Garnish the salad with more pine nuts if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Health benefits
Arugula, also known as rocket, is a low-calorie leafy green that is rich in vitamins and minerals. It contains high levels of vitamin K, which is essential for bone health and blood clotting, as well as vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods. Apricots are a rich source of dietary fiber, potassium, and vitamin A, which is necessary for good eye health. They also contain antioxidants that help fight inflammation and protect against chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. Pine nuts are a good source of protein and healthy fats, including monounsaturated fatty acids that can help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. They also contain magnesium and zinc, which support healthy bone and immune function. Fresh ricotta cheese is a low-fat, high-protein cheese that is rich in calcium and phosphorus, both of which are essential for strong bones and teeth. It is also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin D, and zinc.
Conclusion
Apricot and arugula salad with fresh ricotta recipes is a perfect dish for anyone who wants to enjoy a healthy and flavorful meal. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this salad can be prepared in no time. Its sweet and tangy flavors, combined with the crunch of toasted pine nuts and the creaminess of fresh ricotta cheese, make it a refreshing and satisfying dish that can be served as a side dish or a main course. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and healthy this salad can be!
Apricot and arugula salad with fresh ricotta is a healthy and flavourful dish that is perfect for a summer meal. This salad is packed with nutrients, such as fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and its combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a crowd-pleaser. If you are planning to make apricot and arugula salad with fresh ricotta, here are some valuable tips that will help you to make it like a pro.

1. Choose Fresh and Ripe Ingredients

The key to making a delicious and flavorful apricot and arugula salad with fresh ricotta is to choose fresh and ripe ingredients. Ensure that your apricots are firm and fragrant with a bright orange color, and that your arugula leaves are fresh and crisp without any blemishes or signs of wilting. Fresh ricotta is also essential for the recipe, as it will provide a creamy and rich texture to the salad.

2. Prepare the Ingredients Properly

Preparing the ingredients properly is equally important when making apricot and arugula salad with fresh ricotta. Slice the apricots into thin wedges, and remove the pits before adding them to the salad. Wash and dry the arugula leaves and remove any tough stems or damaged leaves. Crumble the fresh ricotta by hand or with a fork, ensuring that it is evenly distributed throughout the salad.

3. Create a Balance of Sweet and Savory Flavors

The balance of sweet and savory flavors is crucial when making apricot and arugula salad with fresh ricotta. The sweet and juicy apricots provide a perfect contrast to the peppery and slightly bitter arugula leaves, while the fresh ricotta adds a creamy and slightly salty flavor to the salad. You can also add other ingredients such as sliced almonds or honey mustard vinaigrette to enhance the flavor profile of the dish.

4. Use Seasonal Ingredients

Using seasonal ingredients is a great way to make the apricot and arugula salad with fresh ricotta more flavorful and nutritious. In-season apricots are more robust in flavor and less expensive than out-of-season apricots, and they have a higher nutritional value. Similarly, seasonal arugula is more flavorful and nutritious than imported arugula.

5. Experiment with Different Presentation Styles

You can experiment with different presentation styles to make your apricot and arugula salad with fresh ricotta more appealing and appetizing. For instance, you can arrange the arugula leaves as a bed on a platter and then top it with the sliced apricots and crumbled ricotta. Alternatively, you can arrange the ingredients in individual bowls or plates, layering the arugula, apricots, and ricotta to create a beautiful and colorful dish.

Conclusion

Apricot and arugula salad with fresh ricotta is a refreshing and healthy dish that is perfect for summer meals. By following these valuable tips, you can make this salad like a pro and wow your guests with its delicious and nutritious flavors. Remember to choose fresh and ripe ingredients, prepare them properly, balance the sweet and savory flavors, use seasonal ingredients, and experiment with different presentation styles to make your apricot and arugula salad with fresh ricotta more appetizing and appealing.

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