Hi, my name is Medha, and I have a long title problem.
I guess it’s not all bad. I mean now you know exactly what’s in this salad. You don’t even need to read this post. (Please read this post)
I’m a little obsessed with arugula. I’m even more obsessed with calling it rocket. It makes me feel like an adult who eats salads with fancy names.
I digress.
Strawberries and black beans. Sounds like a strange combination, right? The first time I made this salad I was throwing random produce into a tupperware to take to work for lunch. I did not expect to be wowed. I certainly did not expect to make this salad to eat with dinner the same night, or for lunch the next day.
The sweetness of the strawberries and the mild, yet earthy flavor of the beans make a perfect combination. The nuts add crunch, and of course everything sits pretty on top of my current favorite greens.
I use canned beans. (The horror).
Why? To be perfectly honest, they’re what’s around my house… and I also just don’t really know how to cook with dried beans.
You soak them, right? And then something else happens before they’re edible?
I could probably Google this, but I could open a can of beans faster. So, canned it is.
The colors in this are so pretty, and it’s easy to make and definitely healthy. Protein from the beans and nuts, and antioxidants in the strawberries take this salad to superfood status.
I’m pretty anti-salad dressing, but I’ve tried this with both balsamic vinegar & olive oil as well as with raspberry vinaigrette. Both are great, however balsamic sits on the acidic side of the spectrum, while raspberry is definitely a lot sweeter.
In summary, my post titles are out of control, dried beans confuse me, and you should make this salad ASAP.
Enjoy!
- 3 cups of arugula
- ½ cup of sliced strawberries
- 7 oz (half a can) of black beans, drained and rinsed
- ⅓ cup dry roasted unsalted almonds
- Wash your arugula and pat dry with a towel
- Set arugula in one large or two individual bowls
- Add strawberries and black beans
- Top with almonds
- Add dressing, if desired
This salad sounds delicious, Medha! I love using arugula whenever I can. And I would definitely used canned beans too…I’ve never cooked dried beans before, so canned is definitely the easiest!
Exactly! 🙂
That’s one problem I’ll take on any day! Ha I love this salad and the flavor combination is awesome. That peppery flavor of the arugula has got to be fantastic with those strawberries!
Thanks, Cindy!
hahahah.. Long names!! I have the same problem.. 😀
Delicious and healthy salad!! Love the strawberry, black beans and almonds combination!!
Thanks, Arpita!
Sometimes it’s hard to come up with a short name for things, especially salads! This one looks delicious though. Such a unique combination!
Right?! Thanks, Danielle 🙂
I like long names, too- they just sound more important…and unique- I don’t know. Just like rocket sounds more important than arugula. Ha! This salad looks great!
That’s so true! Thanks 🙂
Arugula is my favorite lettuce, and I’m thinking I should start calling it rocket too. 🙂 Strawberries and black beans sound fine to me — I would love this salad!
Arugula is my favorite, too! 🙂
My name is Annie and I have a short title problem. Urgh I am AWFUL at naming dishes….lately I have been making my husband do it. But this salad looks wonderful! I love the addition of the roasted almonds, I bet it adds so much flavor!
Put your man to work! Thanks, Annie 🙂
Ooo, I’m so curious about the strawberries and black beans! I’m on an arugula obsession myself lately, so I need to try this! And canned beans all the way. Dried beans are just too much work and no fun if you don’t get them soft enough.
Dried beans just seem like too much for me. Thanks, Leah!
I have to admit this recipe sounds very interesting. I love beans and I love strawberries but would have never thought to combine them. Definitely need to taste this combination. Have a great weekend Medha. 🙂
Thanks so much and you too, Kathy!
Long titles are full of description. I love them! And I love this beautiful salad. What a wonderful way to feature arugula!
Thanks, Monet!
Ha! I always have a really hard time deciding what to put into my title and what to leave out – especially if it’s a salad with multiple ingredients.
This salad sounds and looks stunning. I always love fruit and nuts together in a salad. And don’t worry, you’re allowed to say ‘rocket’. That’s what we call it in the UK, anyway!
I love fruits and nuts in salad, too! Thanks for commenting, Helen 🙂
Love the addition of arugula with those black beans! Crisp looking salad!
Thanks!
I first heard of “rocket” in London – and I had to check with the waiter what it was. I was relieved it were some kind of salad leaves – then I saw the salad – and I was like “frrrruuummp” this is just arugula !
I like calling it rocket too – but only on the other side of the pond.
I use canned beans most times too.. coz sometimes you need beans for your salad or rice bowl or a quesadilla and you can’t wait 24 hrs to soak and cook them!
Haha yup, just arugula! And I totally agree on the canned beans!