Watermelon Salad with Arugula, Goat Cheese, and Candied Walnuts

AUTHOR: Danielle Walker - AgainstAllGrain.com

SERVES: 6

Ingredients:

• 6 pieces of watermelon, cut to 1 inch thickness
• 2 cups baby arugula
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint, chopped
• 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• pinch of salt and pepper
• 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
• 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 cup Spiced Candied Walnuts, roughly chopped See below

Instructions:

1. Using a large biscuit cutter, or just great circle cutting knife skills!, cut the watermelon slices into round circles. Use a knife to trim off any parts that make the circle uneven so it sits flat on a plate.
2. n a medium bowl, toss the arugula with the mint, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Arrange the watermelon circles on a plate, then top each with a small handful of the arugula mixture (roughly 1/3 cup each).
4. Sprinkle each salad with goat cheese and the chopped walnuts, then drizzle the balsamic vinegar over the tops. Enjoy!

Candied Walnuts

This recipe calls for walnuts that have been soaked overnight in order to make them easier on the digestive system. When you soak nuts, you break down the enzyme inhibitor that makes nuts hard on your gut. You can chose not to soak them, just be aware that they will take much less time in the oven. I think soaking is important , I have been presoaking then throwing big bagfuls in the freezer  measuring out what I need for each recipe. 

ingredients:

• ½ cup raw walnuts (soak overnight in filtered water)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne powder
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Drain your soaked walnuts on a paper towel then set aside.
3. Warm your honey over medium heat for about a minute, until it has liquefied. You can also microwave it for 15 seconds. Stir in the walnuts, cayenne and sea salt. Mix to combine thoroughly.
4. Bake the nuts for 20 minutes, then remove and let cool completely.
5. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for a week.
6. Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.