A healthy, hearty, lemon-ey salad from the cookbook Blissful Basil. Vegan and gluten free.
Oh hi – long time no post. Last week, I was a bit sick and down for the count, to say the least. This week, I’m on a healing bender. I have my blender working overtime with crazy green smoothies made with ginger, turmeric and every herb that I’ve read about that contains immune-building qualities. I’m trying to eat lighter and brighter as well because I really do believe that plants can heal.
Which brings me to this recipe from Blissful Basil, a cookbook that couldn’t have arrived at a better time. If you don’t follow Ashley’s blog of the same name, you must! She has the most gorgeous recipes that you can feel great about eating.
In her book, she shares her story about dealing with anxiety as well as other health issues, and how she came to learn that a plant-based diet was just the thing that made her health thrive. The book is filled with 100 creative veggie recipes like Sloppy Shiitakes (her veggie take on a sloppy Joe), Triple Noodle Power Pad Thai, Vegan Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars, to name a few. (I’ve bookmarked practically the whole book).
But today’s recipe is this simple, delightful, hearty, lemon-y salad that I just love. Despite its name, buckwheat is actually a gluten-free grain. I had never cooked with buckwheat groats and I have to tell you that I’m obsessed. They take only about 10 minutes to make and they’re similar in texture to farro or wheatberries. The hearty, chewy bite is just so wonderful in this salad. This recipe makes for either a great packable lunch or a delicious dinner, if you just add whatever protein you like served on the side.
How pretty is her book cover? Vegan pizza here I come:
I also have my eye on these Pulled Hearts of Palm Tamales with Chipotle Cream and Pinapple Pico de Gallo:
A Giveaway: Ashley is so kindly offering a copy of the book to give away – leave a comment to enter! A winner will be chosen at random on Friday. (U.S. and Canadian addresses only)
Or click here to get your copy right now!
Buckwheat, Apple, Cranberry Avocado Salad
- 1 cup raw buckwheat groats
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, cut into matchsticks
- 2 cups baby arugula
- ⅓ to ½ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup raw pepitas
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 3 to 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon sea salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- Add the buckwheat groats to a fine-mesh strainer and thoroughly rinse with cold water. Un a medium saucepan, combine the rinsed buckwheat and water. Bring to a boil, decrease the heat, and simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes, or until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Stain and rinse with cold water until the water runs clear.
- Transfer the cooked buckwheat to a large nonreactive serving bowl along with the apple, greens, cranberries, and pepitas.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, vigorously whisk together 3 tablespoons of the lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, Dijon mustard, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper to taste.
- To assemble: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat. If desired, add the remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice to the salad to brighten the flavors, and liberally season with salt and pepper.
- Divide among plates and top with the sliced avocado.
Can’t wait to try cooking buckwheat this way. I’ve cooked it with the lid on and never been really happy with the results. Looking forward to trying this salad, thanks!
have you tried rinsing it after it was cooked? It comes out of the pot really gummy, but I was surprised that quick rinse in a strainer took away all of the mushy texture.
No, I rinse it before cooking, just to get any dust off, but I’ve never rinsed it after. Thanks! 🙂
I’m definitely making this! I made your butternut squash chili this weekend and it was amazing – will surely be in regular rotation now!
I would love to win this to give my daughter for her birthday at the end of January! It would be perfect for her.
I just bought buckwheat last week for the very first time! I am so making this salad tonight.
Would love to try this recipe and add her cookbook to my collection!
We love buckwheat & this looks like a wonderful salad – can’t wait to try it! Thanks!
beautiful! these recipes look delicious.
Can’t wait to try this! Looks great!
Looks like a wonderful recipe and cookbook. Since I do not have buckwheat on hand and I am home ill, I will try substituting my favorite grain of Kamut. Thank you. I just love your cookbook and website. My daughter gave it to me last Mother’s Day, my best gift!
I love the Blissful Basil blog and her cookbook looks even more gorgeous!
JO-JO
Some of my favorite ingredients, all in one dish. Trying this today!
So simple and quick. Can’t wait to try this!
Looks like a gorgeous cookbook! I’d love to try this recipe and the others in it!
Can’t wait to try this recipe.
Sounds yummy – this will be on my rotation this week – thanks!
Wonderful salad from a wonderful cookbook!
I think this the perfect January dinner. Imag make it tonight!
Try again: I think this is the perfect January dinner. I may make it tonight – right after a typing or proofreading lesson.
Love the people who are so creative and healthy that generously pass on their knowledge and recipes to us. Thank all of you!
Your correction totally made me chuckle!
I would love to win! Thank you! the cookbook looks so nice.
Blissful Basil + Vegan Pizza=❤
Would love this! Looks great 🙂
I love your love and lemons cookbook. This one looks amazing as well.
I just purchased the ingredients for this salad & will be making it for dinner.
Thanks for your love!
Lynn
Everything looks so fresh and clean! Would love to have a copy of her book and can’t wait to try the recipe. :))
Your recipes are delicious, and Blissful Basil’s cookbook looks amazing too! I would love to be considered for the giveaway.
So delicious and refreshing!! Had a lime on hand which I subbed for the lemon, yum! Thanks for sharing this recipe, can’t wait to use this book!
thank you so much for including “frozen cousins” in Canada. I am fairly new to your blog and cooking, but as a senior experienced cook, who was did not eat meat for two years and was married..lol I still really enjoy the challenge of good food, taste amazing and no meat. Love and Lemons what is not to Love.. Heather
Delicious!
This recipe and the tamale one you mentioned sound so good! Can’t wait to try them out.
I recently made a smoothie from her blog that was really good. I would love to have a copy of her new book!