Whole Grain Nasturtium Citrus Salad

Welcome in summer with this show stopper of a salad with nutty whole grains and peppery Nasturtium. The honey citrus dressing is the perfect balance of sweetness to match the zing of Nasturtium.

Edible Flowers And Honey

Incorporating edible flowers into your recipes adds a delightful burst of color and flavor, transforming ordinary dishes into visual and culinary masterpieces. However, when foraging for these blossoms, it is crucial to avoid areas that might be treated with pesticides, as these chemicals can be harmful if ingested. The recipe we're sharing today not only includes vibrant edible flowers but also features honey as a key ingredient. Honey provides the necessary sweetness and serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of protecting our bees from pesticide exposure. Bees play a critical role in our ecosystem by pollinating flowers, and their well-being is vital for maintaining biodiversity and our food supply. By choosing pesticide-free sources for your edible flowers and honey, you contribute to a healthier environment and support the essential work of pollinators.

We're using a delightful single origin honey from Florida called Gallberry Honey that is sustainably produced by our friends at Hani Honey.  Single-origin means that the bees foraged almost exclusively from the blossoms of the Gallberrry Tree which grows locally in Florida. You'll find amazing locally produced wildflower honey at your farmers market from the blooms of all of the wildflowers in your area.

Delicious Ancient Grains 

Incorporating whole grains into salads is a fantastic way to enhance both the nutritional value and the texture of your dish. Whole grains like einkorn, sorghum, and emmer farro are particularly excellent choices due to their rich nutrient profiles and unique flavors. Einkorn, one of the oldest wheat varieties, offers a nutty taste and is packed with protein, fiber, and essential minerals. Sorghum, a gluten-free grain, is high in antioxidants and provides a chewy texture that complements fresh vegetables perfectly. Emmer farro, another ancient grain, adds a hearty, slightly sweet flavor along with a substantial amount of fiber, protein, and iron. These grains not only make your salads more filling and satisfying but also contribute to a balanced diet by providing complex carbohydrates and a variety of vitamins and minerals essential for good health.

Ingredients:

• 1 Cup Uncooked Whole Einkorn Wheat Berries or Sorghum or Emmer Farro
• 6 oranges 
• Leafy greens like butter lettuce, spring mix or little gem
• Nasturtium leaves and flowers

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoons juice reserved from the oranges
• Juice from 1 Lemon
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil
• Sea Salt

Directions:

1. Cook the grains according to the directions on the bag. 
2. Cut the oranges into Supremes, reserving juice for the dressing.  (How to supreme citrus)
3. Wash the greens and Nasturtium leaves and inspect the flowers for dirt or insects, gently brushing them off.
4. Combine all of the ingredients for the dressing in a canning jar, screw on the lid and shake till well combined.
5. Gently toss the grains, greens and oranges in the dressing, reserving some greens for the top of the salad.
6. Assemble the greens and oranges on a plate and gently place the nasturtium leaves and blossoms on top of the salad.