Recipe: Shahir's Perfect Salad
Shahir has put together a healthy, protein rich steak-salad that's great for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby arugula
- 4 cups frisee
- 1 medium English cucumber, sliced into half moons
- 2 striploin steaks, seasoned, cooked medium rare and sliced
- 1 cup goat cheese
- ¼ cup toasted pumpkin seeds
- Salt and pepper
Quick Pickle:
- 1 cup blackberries, halved and whole
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced into half moons
- ½ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup grapeseed oil or canola oil, Vinaigrette
- ½ cup reserved pickling liquid
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Mix together red wine vinegar, honey and salt in a medium bowl. Add blackberries and sliced onions, toss to coat and let rest for 7-10 minutes.
Meanwhile wash baby arugula and frisee, tear frisee into bite sized pieces and dry everything in a salad spinner. Transfer greens to a large serving bowl along with sliced cucumbers.
Once berries and onions are slightly tender and taste pickled, add half to salad greens along with half of steak, cheese and pumpkin seeds. Reserve the remainder for the end.
Add reserved pickling liquid to a bowl. Slowly stream in oil, whisking constantly to emulsify. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle some of your dressing around the outer most point of the bowl. Then using your hands or tongs, toss salad. Add as much or little dressing as you prefer.
To finish salad add reserved sliced steak, crumbled goat cheese, pumpkin seeds.
Enjoy!
How to make the perfect salad:
Shahir has made six easy categories for you to follow to make the perfect salad. Try out his recipe below or use his guideline for a salad creation of your own!
BASE - Pick 2-3 greens for your base. Different flavours and textures of greens are always fun.
CRUNCH - Something crunchy makes you feel satisfied. Whether it’s a nut, seed or a crunchy veggie, it’s a nice addition to any salad.
PROTEIN - A salad is not a meal without protein. Add meat, seafood or tofu to keep you from reaching for the candy drawer right after your meal.
SURPRISE - Pick something a little bit fun and unexpected. A pickled berry, seasonal fruit or a candied nut will all pack a surprising punch.
DRESSING - A simple vinaigrette can travel at room temperature so it’s perfect for a work lunch. Make sure to dress your salad just before eating so it does not get soggy.
SOFT - Add soft items like cheeses, tomatoes or avocados after you have tossed your salad so they don’t get smushed. Let them shine on top of your salad.