Crunchy Salad with Cocoa Vinaigrette

Gluten Free
Health score
24%
Crunchy Salad with Cocoa Vinaigrette
10 min.
4
478kcal

Suggestions

Welcome to the world of gourmet simplicity with our delightful Crunchy Salad with Cocoa Vinaigrette, a quick and satisfying meal ready in just ten minutes. This gluten-free masterpiece is a true revelation for those who believe healthy eating cannot be exciting, as it masterfully blends the peppery kick of fresh baby arugula with the nutty crunch of roasted almonds and the crisp freshness of sliced celery and English cucumber. What truly sets this dish apart is the sophisticated twist of unsweetened cocoa powder in the dressing, which adds an unexpected, rich depth that perfectly complements the tangy balsamic vinegar and creamy Dijon mustard. The result is a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and earthy flavors that transforms a simple side dish into a hearty main course or a perfect light lunch. With a impressive caloric profile, this salad is not only visually stunning with its vibrant greens and shaved Parmesan garnish but also nutritionally robust, boasting a satisfying 478 calories per serving where the majority of energy comes from healthy fats that keep you full and energized. Whether you are looking to impress guests with a colorful presentation or need a rapid solution for a busy weeknight, this recipe delivers exceptional taste without compromising on quality. The preparation is effortless, requiring only a bowl and a whisk to bring together these premium ingredients into a cohesive and delicious experience. Don't be fooled by the cocoa; it is purely for flavor enhancement, creating a unique profile that pairs beautifully with the savory elements. Grab your whisk and prepare to experience a salad that challenges your expectations while delighting your palate, proving that the most memorable meals often come from the most creative combinations of familiar ingredients.

Ingredients

  • cup roasted almonds chopped
  • cups baby arugula 
  • 0.3 cup balsamic vinegar 
  • stalks celery thinly sliced
  • teaspoon dijon mustard 
  •  cucumber english chopped
  • 0.3 cup olive oil extra-virgin
  • servings parmesan shaved for garnish
  • teaspoon cocoa powder unsweetened

Equipment

  • bowl
  • whisk

Directions

  1. Mix together the arugula, almonds, celery and cucumber. Set aside while you make the dressing.
  2. Whisk together the mustard, cocoa powder, balsamic and olive oil.
  3. Drizzle the salad with enough dressing to coat. Toss well together.
  4. Serve in individual bowls and garnish with shaved Parmesan.

Nutrition Facts

Calories478kcal
Protein15.83%
Fat71.54%
Carbs12.63%

Properties

Glycemic Index
45.75
Glycemic Load
2.17
Inflammation Score
-8
Nutrition Score
22.011739046677%

Flavonoids

Cyanidin
0.88mg
Catechin
0.62mg
Epigallocatechin
0.93mg
Epicatechin
0.71mg
Eriodictyol
0.09mg
Naringenin
0.15mg
Apigenin
0.58mg
Luteolin
0.23mg
Isorhamnetin
1.8mg
Kaempferol
7.26mg
Quercetin
1.85mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:478.34kcal
23.92%
Fat:39.41g
60.64%
Saturated Fat:8.22g
51.38%
Carbohydrates:15.66g
5.22%
Net Carbohydrates:10.03g
3.65%
Sugar:6.13g
6.81%
Cholesterol:20.4mg
6.8%
Sodium:521.6mg
22.68%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:19.63g
39.25%
Vitamin E:11.33mg
75.53%
Calcium:508.91mg
50.89%
Manganese:1mg
50.13%
Vitamin K:48.62µg
46.31%
Phosphorus:419.57mg
41.96%
Magnesium:134.84mg
33.71%
Vitamin B2:0.56mg
33.05%
Fiber:5.63g
22.52%
Copper:0.45mg
22.27%
Vitamin A:878.7IU
17.57%
Potassium:549.36mg
15.7%
Zinc:2.25mg
14.99%
Iron:2.36mg
13.11%
Selenium:9.04µg
12.92%
Folate:49.85µg
12.46%
Vitamin B1:0.12mg
8.05%
Vitamin B3:1.59mg
7.93%
Vitamin C:5.72mg
6.94%
Vitamin B6:0.14mg
6.84%
Vitamin B5:0.64mg
6.39%
Vitamin B12:0.36µg
6%