Strawberry Rocket Salad

I have been on a major salad kick lately.  It's all this nice weather!  Suddenly my beloved sautéed kale and dark greens are taking the back burner to light, summery salads.  I have had a salad for lunch the past two weeks.  Maybe three weeks?  Ok, a long time.  While my lunch salad is pretty much the same everyday (I'm such a creature of habit), my dinner salads are always changing.  This little gem is zesty, sweet, and creamy.  If you're not a salad lover, let me convert you.  I don't know how you can not absolutely love this strawberry rocket salad!

Guys, it's strawberry season!  There's only a short window when you can get them at the peak of harvest, tasting like the sweet, succulent berries they are.  I never both buying fresh strawberries out of season because I always find them bland.  These berries add a brightness to this salad, while zesty arugula (aka rocket) makes up the base.  Creamy avocado takes the place of cheese and it's tossed in an orange mustard dressing.  Spring in a bowl!

Now I have to admit, I added crumbled goat cheese to this salad the other night and it was divine. Not necessary, however a welcomed addition ;)  Put away your sautéing pans and embrace salads this Spring!


Strawberry Rocket Salad

6 cups loosely packed arugula
1/2 avocado, diced
6 large strawberries, sliced
1 recipe orange mustard dressing (recipe follows)

chives, to garnish

Directions:
Toss the arugula with the dressing and add in the strawberries and avocado.  Garnish with chives and serve cold.

Orange Mustard Dressing

3 Tbsp fresh squeezed orange juice
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1-2 tsp spicy brown mustard
1/2 tsp orange zest
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
Whisk everything together until well blended.