Taste the Sunshine: Vibrant Florida Arugula Berry Citrus Salad with Candied Pecans

This post was sponsored by Fresh From Florida as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central. While the collaboration brought this delicious recipe to life, all opinions and enthusiasm for Florida’s incredible produce are entirely my own.

There’s nothing quite like a crisp, fresh salad to brighten your day and invigorate your palate. This simple yet sophisticated Florida Arugula Berry Citrus Salad is a true celebration of vibrant flavors and textures, making it an absolute must-try. Bursting with the sweetness of fresh berries, the tangy zest of citrus, the peppery kick of arugula, and the delightful crunch of homemade candied pecans, this salad is a culinary experience you won’t soon forget. Whether served as a refreshing side dish or elevated with your favorite protein for a fulfilling lunch or dinner, its versatility and incredible taste make it a staple for healthy and delicious eating.

Embracing Florida’s Year-Round Freshness

While many across the country are navigating the tail end of winter’s chill, here in Florida, we’re luxuriating in delightful, spring-like temperatures. This perpetual warmth is just one of the many reasons why living in the Sunshine State is so enjoyable, especially for those who cherish access to an abundance of fresh, locally grown produce. Our mild climate means that a wide array of fruits and vegetables are in season almost year-round, offering unparalleled freshness and flavor. Just this week, inspired by the bounty, I crafted this exquisite arugula berry salad featuring plump, juicy Fresh From Florida strawberries, easily found at local retailers like Publix.

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet, often low in carbohydrates and rich in vegetables, means salads are a frequent and welcome guest at my table. But when a craving for something sweet arises, I instinctively reach for nature’s candy: fresh fruit. Strawberries, in particular, are a perennial favorite. Their universal appeal and incredible adaptability make them a go-to ingredient for countless recipes, from simple snacks to elaborate desserts. They add a natural sweetness and vibrant color that instantly elevates any dish, and in this salad, they truly shine as a star.

Versatility and Serving Suggestions for Your Perfect Salad

While this Florida Arugula Berry Citrus Salad is absolutely magnificent enjoyed on its own, it also serves as a fantastic foundation for a more substantial meal. Its bright, fresh profile pairs beautifully with various proteins, allowing for easy customization to suit your dietary needs and preferences. Consider tossing it with grilled chicken or pan-seared salmon for a light yet satisfying lunch. For those following a low-carb lifestyle, serving it alongside cauliflower rice or wrapped in a large lettuce leaf makes for a delicious and wholesome option. Alternatively, for a delightful twist, this salad can be a refreshing counterpoint when served over your favorite whole-grain pasta, adding a burst of freshness to a heartier dish. The possibilities are truly endless!

The Fresh From Florida Difference: Supporting Local Farmers

A core principle I passionately advocate for is the importance of buying local and actively supporting our dedicated Florida farmers. By choosing produce labeled Fresh From Florida, you’re not only guaranteeing the freshest possible ingredients for your family but also contributing directly to the sustainability and prosperity of our local agricultural communities. Florida farmers work tirelessly to ensure that everyone has access to an incredible array of fresh produce throughout the year. With strawberries now reaching their peak season in Florida, this Arugula Berry Citrus Salad offers an incredibly delicious and innovative way to incorporate these versatile and remarkably fresh berries into your diet. Their sweetness and slight tang are perfectly balanced by the peppery arugula and bright citrus, creating a truly memorable culinary experience that celebrates the best of Florida’s harvest.

Explore a World of Freshness with Fresh From Florida Recipes

While the possibilities for using fresh strawberries are vast and exciting, I often turn to the trusted resources provided by Fresh From Florida itself. Their website is a treasure trove of inspiring recipes, and it’s where I discovered the inspiration for this particular arugula berry citrus salad. Beyond strawberries, you’ll find an extensive collection of easy-to-follow recipes featuring a diverse range of other fresh fruits and vegetables that are currently in season in Florida. Their commitment to promoting local produce means you’ll always find innovative ways to incorporate the freshest ingredients into your home cooking. It’s an invaluable resource for anyone looking to eat healthier, support local agriculture, and discover new culinary delights.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of Florida’s bounty? You can click here to explore a fantastic selection of strawberry recipes that will surely spark your culinary creativity. Or, for a broader view of all the incredible produce and resources available, visit the main Fresh From Florida website. It’s your gateway to delicious, seasonal eating.

More Easy Ways to Enjoy Fresh Florida Strawberries:

• **Simple Snack:** Dip them in Greek yogurt for a healthy and satisfying treat. A drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of granola takes it up a notch!
• **Breakfast Boost:** Fold sliced strawberries into your pancake or waffle batter for a burst of fruity flavor with every bite.
• **Sweet Skewers:** Thread strawberries onto skewers with other colorful fruits like melon, grapes, and pineapple to create vibrant and fun fruit kabobs.
• **Smoothie Superstar:** Blend fresh strawberries into your morning smoothie for natural sweetness and a powerful dose of vitamins and antioxidants.
• **Dessert Topping:** Use them as a topping for ice cream, cheesecake, or shortcake for an instantly elevated dessert.
• **Infused Water:** Add sliced strawberries to a pitcher of water with a few mint leaves or cucumber slices for a refreshing and naturally flavored drink.

Arugula Berry Citrus Salad Recipe

INGREDIENTS

• 16 ounces Fresh From Florida arugula, rinsed and thoroughly drained
• 1 dozen Fresh From Florida strawberries, rinsed, hulled, and sliced
• 1 cup Fresh From Florida blueberries
• 2 Fresh From Florida oranges, peeled and carefully segmented (ensure all pith is removed)
• 8 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 lemon, freshly juiced
• 1-2 tablespoons high-quality olive oil
• Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Candied Pecans:

• 2 cups Fresh From Florida pecans
• ¾ cup natural Florida sugar
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

PREPARATION

1. Prepare the Candied Pecans: Begin by preheating a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the Florida pecans and toast them gently, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant, typically 6 to 8 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
2. Once toasted, add the butter, Florida sugar, and sea salt to the pan with the pecans. Stir continuously to ensure the pecans are evenly coated in the melting sugar mixture. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sugar has dissolved and created a sticky coating.
3. Immediately remove the candied pecans from the pan and spread them out in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or a clean, non-stick surface. Allow them to cool completely. They will crisp up as they cool.
4. Dress the Arugula: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the rinsed arugula with the fresh lemon juice, olive oil, a pinch of sea salt, and a dash of fresh ground pepper. Gently toss to ensure all the arugula leaves are lightly coated.
5. Assemble the Salad: Arrange the dressed arugula evenly across serving plates or a large salad bowl.
6. Artfully arrange the segmented oranges and fresh berries (strawberries and blueberries) around the greens.
7. Crumble the goat cheese generously over the salad.
8. Finally, garnish each serving with a generous sprinkle of the cooled, candied pecans.
9. Serve chilled and enjoy this delightful taste of Florida!

Pin this incredible Arugula Berry Citrus Salad recipe for later and share the sunshine with your friends!

When you’re shopping for groceries, always make a point to look for delicious foods, fresh produce, and succulent seafood, especially your sweet strawberries, labeled Fresh From Florida. Stay connected and inspired by following Fresh From Florida on their social media channels: find them on Twitter for quick updates, like their page on Facebook for community news and tips, and follow them on Instagram to check out their engaging fresh recipe videos and beautiful imagery of Florida’s bounty!