Simple Peach Arugula Salad

Ingredients

3-4 Peaches, sliced in half, pits removed

8-10 fistfuls arugula

1 cup raw hazelnuts, lightly smashed to break open, toasted

2 small shallots, thinly sliced

For the dressing:

¼ cup honey or agave (I used raw honey)

1 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled

2 tablespoons GF balsamic (or sherry) vinegar

3 tablespoons lime juice (about 1 lime)

2 small cloves of garlic

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

pinch of salt and crushed black pepper

Preparation

For the dressing, add all the ingredients into a mini food processor to blend well OR grate the ginger then add it into a bowl (or jar) with the remaining dressing ingredients and whisk well. Set aside.

Note: you can drizzle in the olive oil at the end while whisking but I find it’s not necessary; with enough whisking or mixing it emulsifies well enough to fully coat the salad.

Meanwhile, set a grill pan on high and when hot (about 5 minutes) place halved peaches on and lightly press in to sear.

Let it grill for 2-3 minutes then rotate in opposite direction to grill another 2 minutes until slightly softened.

In a large bowl or platter, spread arugula evenly, then sliced shallots.

Season with half the dressing and gently toss so as not to weigh down the arugula.

Lightly toast hazelnuts (while grilling the peaches) on medium heat in a small skillet until the oils have permeated the air and hazelnuts appear toasted.

Note: This should not take more than 3 minutes, so keep your eye on the pan as they can burn very quickly.

Sprinkle over the salad, then place peaches on top and drizzle more dressing as desired.

Serve immediately.

Note: the salad dressing will make more than needed, save for another tasty salad.

Final Note: "smash" hazelnuts in a plastic bag or in a cloth for toasting.

Some may find the skins to be bitter, if so, rub off any loose skins while they are warm.

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About

A simple peach and arugula salad to enjoy before mother nature closes shop on peaches. Grilled peaches come out beautifully using an indoor grill if an outdoor grill is unavailable and very versatile - goes well with just about any main course. Light, quick and easy salad before summer's end - gluten, dairy, egg, soy and refined sugar free!