Milk core, arugula, avocado, and walnut core

Surprising salad with cream cheese, arugula, avocado, and walnut

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Introduction

Salads are often seen as simple dishes, but they can hide true treasures of flavor and texture. This salad with cream cheese, arugula, avocado, and walnut is a perfect choice for a healthy and quick meal, full of flavor. The cream cheese adds a creaminess, while the combination of ingredients offers both essential nutrients and an appealing visual aspect. It is a versatile recipe, ideal as an appetizer or as a side dish for meat dishes.

Required ingredients

- 300 g fresh arugula
- 1 large avocado
- 6 cherry tomatoes
- 100 g walnut
- 150 g Delaco cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons walnut oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar with honey
- Iodized salt, to taste
- Freshly ground colored pepper, to taste

Ingredient details

- Arugula: This leafy green has a slightly spicy taste and is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like calcium and iron.
- Avocado: Full of healthy fats, avocado is an excellent source of fiber and potassium. Make sure it is well ripened, with a dark green skin, but not soft.
- Cherry tomatoes: These not only add a splash of color but are also packed with antioxidants, such as lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health.
- Walnut: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it adds a crunchy texture and delicious flavor to the salad.
- Delaco cream cheese: This creamy and delicious product offers a touch of finesse, perfect to contrast with the other ingredients.
- Walnut oil: It is a flavorful oil that will perfectly complement the tastes in the salad.

Preparing the salad

1. Wash the arugula: Start by washing the arugula leaves well under a stream of cold water. It is important to dry them with a clean towel or put them in a salad spinner, as excess water can dilute the dressing.

2. Chop the arugula: Then, chop the arugula leaves into thin strips using a sharp knife. This will help release the flavors and make the salad more pleasant to eat.

3. Prepare the avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and peel the skin with a spoon. Cut the flesh into small cubes. Put the avocado cubes over the arugula and immediately drizzle with apple cider vinegar with honey to prevent oxidation.

4. Add the cherry tomatoes: Cut the cherry tomatoes into quarters and add them to the bowl with arugula and avocado. They will bring a note of freshness and sweetness.

5. Incorporate the walnut: The walnut can be used whole or you can chop it slightly to make it easier to eat. Add it to the salad for a crunchy texture.

6. Cream cheese: Tear the Delaco cream cheese into smaller pieces and add it to the salad. It will provide a creamy and delicious contrast.

7. Season: Season the salad with salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste. Then add the walnut oil and gently mix to combine all the ingredients.

8. Serving: The salad can be served immediately, but for an even more intense flavor, you can let it sit for 10 minutes for the flavors to meld. It is delicious on its own, but pairs perfectly with a meat dish, such as grilled chicken or fish.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use other greens?
Of course! If you don’t have arugula, you can use spinach or mixed salad leaves.

2. How can I store the salad for the next day?
It is recommended to keep the ingredients separate, especially the arugula and avocado, to prevent oxidation. Mix them only when you are ready to serve.

3. What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with feta cheese for a salty flavor, or diced apple for a sweet contrast.

4. How many calories does this salad have?
This salad contains approximately 300-350 calories per serving, depending on the amount of walnut and walnut oil used.

Nutritional benefits

This salad is rich in antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vitamins, making it a healthy choice for a light meal. Arugula helps strengthen the immune system, while avocado contributes to heart health with its high content of monounsaturated fats.

Possible variations

If you want to personalize your salad, here are a few suggestions:
- Add a few slices of roasted beet for a sweet note and vibrant color.
- Including chickpeas or cooked lentils can turn this salad into a complete meal, rich in protein.
- If you enjoy Asian flavors, you can add soy sauce and sesame seeds for an interesting twist.

Personal note

This salad reminds me of warm summer days when I cooked on the terrace and each fresh ingredient brought from the market left its mark on the plate. I encourage you to put your personal touch on the recipe and enjoy every bite. Enjoy your meal!