Strawberry Mixed Green Salad with Walnut-Hemp Clusters

Grain Free. Vegan.

Last week I harvested lettuce from my garden and it inspired this recipe. The walnut-hemp clusters bulk up this salad and make it more filling - in fact you get a whole 6.5 grams of protein and 4.4 grams of fiber out of this lightweight meal.  To learn more about the health benefits of both of these nutrient dense, super foods check out our blogs, The Health Benefits of Hemp Seeds and The Top 5 Health Benefits of Walnuts.

I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND doubling the walnut-hemp cluster recipe as this will be your new favorite go to salad topper. They also make for a great snack on the go! 

This salad is lovely as a side dish, but you could easily turn it into a full meal by adding any of the following: avocado, crumbled feta or goat cheese, organic, free range grilled chicken, or pan-seared tofu.

Strawberry Mixed Green Salad with Walnut-Hemp Clusters (PRINT RECIPE)
Serves 4

Salad Ingredients:
6-8 cups mixed salad greens of choice
1/4 red onion, cut into small slices
8 ounces strawberries, quartered

Walnut-Hemp Clusters:
1/2 cup raw walnut halves
3 tablespoons raw hemp seeds
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup

Walnut-Balsamic Vinaigrette*:
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons walnut oil
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 
1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper or more to taste

Directions:

1. To make the walnut-hemp clusters, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Combine hemp seeds, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl and set aside.
3. Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the walnuts; toast for 5-6 minutes or until they become fragrant, stirring often.
4. Add hemp seed mixture and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Stir in maple syrup and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
6. Spread mixture onto prepared baking sheet and let sit for 5-10 minutes or until cool, then break apart the mixture into clusters.
7. Whisk all dressing ingredients together and set aside.
8. Combine greens, strawberries, and onions in a large salad bowl or on individual salad plates.
9. Top with walnut-hemp clusters and desired amount of dressing before serving.

*This will make about 1/2 cup dressing; serving size is 1 tablespoon dressing for side salad and 2 tablespoons if having salad as a meal. 

Let me know what you think once you try this out! Happy Cooking!
~Billie