3.23.2014

grapefruit, cucumber, and arugula salad with mint and citrus dressing

Monday morning I awoke, my eye-lids glued three-quarters of the way shut due to lack of sleep, due to last-minute photo editing/blog writing, due to my obsession of making sure last Monday's post was up first thing in the morning. My hand still grasping my phone from pressing snooze one twenty-too-many times. I sat up, instantly remembering the dream I wish I didn't have to leave. My feet were so cold. I applauded myself for coincidentally placing my slippers at my bedside the night before. In one foot, in the other. Staring at the window, I dreaded walking over to it. "If there's snow, I'm not going to work. I'm just not doing it", I said to myself with justification.
grapefruit_cucumber_salad_acp_2014_web-0164
I peered over at the window again, then back at my bed. "It needs me", I thought with even more justification. Then again back at the window. The fire-escape appeared to be free of snow. It gave me the push I needed to climb out of my warm sheets.
grapefruit_cucumber_salad_acp_2014_web-0071
grapefruit_cucumber_salad_acp_2014_web-0048
Eyes now halfway open, I found myself at the window sill looking down at a snow-less sidewalk, and even though cold air was sneaking through the crack in my window, I was filled with so much relief. "Thank you. Just, thank you." I said to the universe. "You really understand my feelings of not wanting to wear ankle-weights snow boots ever again." (Well, at least until next winter.)
grapefruit_cucumber_salad_acp_2014_web-0106
grapefruit_cucumber_salad_acp_2014_web-0056
grapefruit_cucumber_salad_acp_2014_web-0017
I know I touched on this in my last post, but I really cannot think about it/talk about it/shout it from the fire-escape enough. I've got a serious case of Spring fever, people. I need warmth and sun and cuffed jean jackets. The days where scarves cause my hair to become knotted and nappy at the back of my neck need to be long gone.
grapefruit_cucumber_salad_acp_2014_web-0092
grapefruit_cucumber_salad_acp_2014_web-0063
To speed up this transition of the seasons (at least in my mind,) I conjured up a simple salad with flavors that are illustrative of both. Grapefruit; winter's best, and fresh mint; a perfectly complementary spring herb, both combined with arugula, cucumber, toasted walnuts, and tossed in a citrus dressing consisting of grapefruit juice, lemon juice, freshly grated ginger, and extra virgin olive oil.
grapefruit_cucumber_salad_acp_2014_web-0123
grapefruit_cucumber_salad_acp_2014_web-0120 Again, it is simple. But it's refreshing and makes me think of brighter days, which I think we all could use a bit of. There isn't much of a recipe to it, but I will estimate the proportions I used. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your liking.

grapefruit, cucumber, and arugula salad with mint and citrus dressing
serves ~1

you'll need:
2 small grapefruits, one large may do
half of a cucumber
a couple of handfuls of baby arugula
about 1/4 cup of toasted, chopped walnuts
about 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh mint leaves
4 or 5 whole mint leaves for dressing [see note]
a little over 1/4 cup of grapefruit juice
the juice of half a lemon
1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
generous pinch of course sea salt
pinch of freshly ground black pepper

note: you can strain out the whole mint leaves using a mesh seive if you prefer. I sort-of muddled the leaves with the dressing while whisking to release the oils, let it sit for 15 minutes or so, whisked again, then poured over, keeping the leaves in with it. Ideally, the dressing should sit longer, maybe an hour, but since I was in a hurry, I shortened the time and left the leaves in to make up for it.

Segment the grapefruits over a large bowl to catch all of the juice that will be used in the dressing and set aside the segments. Squeeze what is left of the grapefruits after segmenting to get as much juice out as possible. Chop the mint and thinly slice up your cucumber. Roughly chop the walnuts, toast them on the stove or in a toaster oven for just a couple of minutes, careful not to burn them. Arrange salad by combining grapefruit, cucumber, chopped mint, arugula, and walnuts.

In a small bowl, combine the left-over grapefruit juice, lemon juice, olive oil, grated ginger, whole mint leaves, course sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to combine. Let sit for 15 minutes or longer depending on how much time you have. Strain mint leaves or keep in. Toss with salad and serve.
grapefruit_cucumber_salad_acp_2014_web-0152
While you contemplate if you're going to make this salad now or well, now, I'll be here.. thinking about farmer's markets and fresh flowers.. and how many I'll need to fill my blue vintage mason jars I scored at an apartment sale two weeks ago. But more about those, and the other lovely find I bought, in a post to come.
grapefruit_cucumber_salad_acp_2014_web-0050

30 comments :

  1. Replies
    1. I love all the fresh ingredients, especially the grapefruit. Can't wait to try this out!

      http://ashleydenaexo.blogspot.com/

      Delete
    2. Thanks for stopping by Ashley :) Hope you enjoy it!

      Delete
  2. thanks ........................

    ReplyDelete
  3. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It’s really great information for becoming a better Blogger. Keep sharing, Thanks. For more details to visit..opiate detox boca raton

    ReplyDelete
  5. Agen Poker Online 24 Jam!!
    Langsung Aja Hubungi LiveChat Poker899
    Whatsapp : +855884660017
    Line : poker899
    Proses Depo / WD Kurang dari 2 Menit!
    Buktikan Sendiri Bossku! ^^

    ReplyDelete
  6. The post is written in very a good manner and it contains many useful information for me.
    Agen Judi Online Terpercaya

    ReplyDelete
  7. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commentators here!
    mlb중계

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have recently started a blog, the info you provide on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work.
    https://itcbetjoker123.com/

    ReplyDelete
  9. This article gives the light in which we can observe the reality. This is very nice one and gives indepth information. Thanks for this nice article.
    link judi online

    ReplyDelete
  10. Very interesting information, worth recommending. However, I recommend this: cbd gummies price

    ReplyDelete
  11. This dish looks healthy and easy to make. I really need anything like this because while doing my work which is to write about Msc Management Dissertation Topics, I badly need energy while doing work.


    ReplyDelete
  12. This is a great inspiring article.I am pretty much pleased with your good work.You put really very helpful information. Keep it up. Keep blogging. Looking to reading your next post. manager

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for sharing this with so much of detailed information, its much more to learn from your article. Keep sharing such good stuff.
    myadornment Adornment is a personal and tailored jewellery shopping experience for consumers, allowing the exploration of a range of affordable but luxurious brands all within one e-commerce marketplace.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Awesome blog. I enjoyed reading your articles. This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. 바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete

  15. I was diagnosed as HEPATITIS B carrier in 2013 with fibrosis of the
    liver already present. I started on antiviral medications which
    reduced the viral load initially. After a couple of years the virus
    became resistant. I started on HEPATITIS B Herbal treatment from
    ULTIMATE LIFE CLINIC (www.ultimatelifeclinic.com) in March, 2020. Their
    treatment totally reversed the virus. I did another blood test after
    the 6 months long treatment and tested negative to the virus. Amazing
    treatment! This treatment is a breakthrough for all HBV carriers.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank you so much for sharing this excellent information. Your article is amazing. Good to discover your post.
    스포츠토토

    ReplyDelete
  17. How do I turn off notifications in the Outlook app?

    If you don’t wish to disable outlook email notifications permanently, then you can disable your notifications manually. This feature allows you to schedule your messages to come in your Inbox. And if you wish to turn off outlook notifications in outlook app, then follow the steps given here. First of all, open the Gmail application and click on the menu. Then scroll down to ‘Settings’ and press on the account. Lastly, uncheck ‘Notifications’ to turn off notifications.

    Reasons why you should make Yahoo my Homepage?

    Yahoo provides its customers with a customizable homepage, often known as a "web portal," that allows them to tailor all of the information they want to view in one location and access it from their homepage every time they open their browser. Consider it a "hub" for all of your key information. Websites for personal use are available for free- First and foremost, you will receive a FREE WEBSITE FOR PERSONAL USE! My Yahoo is the name of the site. It's personal and private, and only you have access to it using a username and password you choose. So it's not for sharing information or showing your goods; rather, it's for keeping track of all your personal belongings in one spot. Period. I There is no manual to read. Also, you can make yahoo my homepage by following the above steps.

    How to Resolve Comcast Email Address Book Not Working?

    There are times when users deal with the issue of Comcast email address book not working issue. If you are dealing with the same issue then it is advisable to clear the cookies and cache. One of the primary reasons for email sending issue is immense cookies and cache in Comcast email account. For such reason, you need to try to clear off the cookies and cache from the browser through which users can smoothly access the email account. these are the steps that users need to follow to resolve the issue without facing any problem.

    How to get Yahoo off of Chrome?

    To get yahoo off of chrome, check if malicious apps are installed on your phone. Then open settings and click on “Apps” or “App Manager.” This will show all apps installed on your phone. Then scroll through the list and keep an eye for any suspicious app. After finding that suspicious or malicious app click on it to uninstall it which will answer how to get yahoo off of chrome . Then select the “Force stop” option and click on “Uninstall.”

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thank you for sharing such detailed Blog. I am learning a lot from you. Visit my website to get best Information About Best IAS coaching Institute in Vasai-Virar
    Washing machine repairing services in Rawalpindi

    ReplyDelete
  19. I was ecstatic to discover this amazing website. I must express my gratitude for your time because this was a really great read! I do services of Mobile Application servicess in the web design slash firm, and I have thoroughly liked every minute of it. To check for updates to your blog, I bookmarked your website.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Your grapefruit, cucumber, and arugula salad recipe is a refreshing delight! It's like a zesty ride on a #link scooter through a garden of flavors and freshness. Thanks for sharing this mouthwatering dish that's both healthy and flavorful.




    ReplyDelete
  21. Extremely pleasant and fascinating post. Continue posting.

    ReplyDelete
  22. The website style is perfect; the articles are great. and you are great Awesome blog

    ReplyDelete
  23. I am happy to find this way of writing the post. Thank you for this useful info

    ReplyDelete
  24. You put very helpful information on this website. Keep it up. Keep blogging.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Grabbing the audience's attention is easy, but maintaining the flow of the audience is difficult. Im a regular reader of your blogs. New Year Clothing

    ReplyDelete