Spinach Avocado Pumpkin Seed Salad Food

PUMPKIN SEED SPINACH SALAD

Steps:

• In a large skillet, toast seeds over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring often. Add sugar and seasonings. Continue to cook and stir until sugar melts, about 4 minutes. Spread mixture on waxed paper to cool., In a small bowl, whisk dressing ingredients until smooth. In a large salad bowl, combine the spinach, cranberries, cheese and pumpkin seeds. Serve with dressing.

SPINACH, AVOCADO, PUMPKIN SEED SALAD

Steps:

• Put the spinach leaves and pumpkin seeds into a large salad bowl.
• Halve the avocados and then remove the stones. Spoon out the flesh over the salad leaves and pumpkin seeds.
• Mix the olive oil, lime juice, and zest in a small bowl. Add the salt and whisk to emulsify.
• Pour the dressing over the salad, and then gently toss everything together using your hands. Take care not to mush the avocado pieces.
• Serve this salad immediately as the spinach leaves are very delicate.
• If you are using the smoked salmon, add 1 slice per serving-drizzle with a little lime juice and top with a little cracked black pepper.

SALMON, AVOCADO, WATERCRESS & PUMPKIN SEED SALAD

Steps:

• Put the salmon fillets in a small frying pan (I use one with a 20cm / 8in diameter) and cover with cold water from the tap. Add the whole scallions and peppercorns, squeeze in the lime juice and sprinkle in the salt, then bring to the boil, uncovered. When the pan is bubbling, turn the fillets over, then remove the pan from the heat and leave to stand for 7 minutes. Then take the fillets out of the liquid and leave to cool completely, which could take up to 1 hour. Once cool, the salmon will be cooked through, with its flesh desirably tender and coral inside.
• While the salmon's cooling, make a start on the salad. Toast the pumpkin seeds by tossing them in a dry, heavy-based frying pan on the hob. They will start jumping a little, and will darken and get a smokier taste. It doesn't take long to toast them, so don't leave the pan and, indeed, keep giving it a quick swirl. Then transfer to a cold plate.
• When you're ready to unite salmon with salad, put the watercress into a large shallow bowl (or split between 2 bowls), sprinkle with the vinegar, and toss. Now add the salmon, removing the skin and tearing the fish into bite-sized pieces or shreddy bits, as you wish.
• Halve the avocado and remove the stone, then spoon the flesh out onto the salmon and watercress, or cut it into slices if you prefer. Drizzle the oil over the salad, sprinkle with the salt and half of the toasted pumpkin seeds, and toss gently to mix. Scatter the remaining pumpkin seeds on top, and eat.
• MAKE AHEAD NOTE: The salmon can be cooked up to 3 days ahead. Cool for up to 1 hour, then cover and refrigerate until needed.

QUINOA, SPINACH, PUMPKIN SEED SALAD

Steps:

• Place quinoa in a colander and rinse several times rubbing the grains together to remove the bitter outer layer.Place 2 cups of water and quinoa into a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until all water has been absorbed.
• Place spinach, cucumber and tomato in a salad bowl, pour over the balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper, mix well.
• Add the cooked quinoa, mix well.
• Add the pumpkin seeds just before serving.

SPINACH AND PUMPKIN SEED SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk together vinegar and oil and add salt, pepper and mustard until it is well blended.
• Toss with the spinach until the leaves are nicely coated.
• Toss again with the tomatoes and the scallions.
• Place salad portions in bowls, garnish with a small amount of alfalfa sprouts, sprinkle with pumpkin seeds, and serve.