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IT’S TIME TO SPRUCE THINGS UP | Watermelon & Chicken Panzanella

July 1, 2015 By Saratoga Farmers' Market

There is produce aplenty at the Farmers’ Market in the summertime, making this the perfect season for crisp, fresh salads. But instead of having the same leafy dish meal after meal, it’s important to mix things up and let your salads shine. Whether you want something crunchy, spicy or sweet, there are dozens of healthy additions to help spruce up your salads and make them more filling and delicious! Salads don’t have to be boring. The trick is to make sure you add enough protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates so you end up with a perfectly balanced and very satisfying dish.

Add a little crunch

Wake up those taste buds by adding a crunchy element to your salad. I’m not talking about greasy or fried additions, but naturally crunchy ingredients that can add both flavor and texture. My favorite crunchy raw vegetables to include in a salad are finely chopped celery and broccoli. Consider adding chopped walnuts or sliced almonds for a protein-packed crunch. If you’re craving croutons, try making your own by cubing old bread, misting it with olive oil spray, sprinkling with garlic powder, and baking for three to five minutes in a 350 degree oven.

Freshen up with herbs

One of the easiest ways to add big flavor to your salad is with the addition of fresh herbs. Basil, chives and tarragon are all tasty additions. If you have oregano and thyme on hand, toss those into the bowl too! Or be a bit bolder and try mint. A variety of herbs can add a great depth of flavor to a salad.

Pump up the protein

A salad without protein is like a sandwich without any filling. Your body needs the fuel from protein to power you through the day. Try topping your salad with chopped chicken, strips of lunch meat or a scoop of tuna salad. If you’re not a meat eater, go for vegetarian options like cottage cheese, fresh mozzarella cheese, black beans, or hard-boiled eggs.

Toss in fruit

Fruit salads are typically on the sweet side, but incorporating fresh fruits like watermelon, berries, or oranges can make a savory salad as well. Refreshing and hydrating, adding fruit to your salad is perfect for hot summer days. Paired with fresh herbs, a tangy cheese, olive oil and a squeeze of lime juice, and you’ve got a winning summer salad combination.

Go for the grain

If you can’t stomach the thought of one more forkful of leafy greens, try skipping the lettuce altogether and use a grain like quinoa or couscous as the base of your salad instead. Mix in ingredients like dried fruit, chopped apples, nuts, cubed Gouda and drizzle with a fruity balsamic vinaigrette. I promise it will give you a whole new outlook on healthy salads.

Homemade dressing

Making your own dressing is a fun way to make over your usual salad. If you normally get your dressing from a bottle, you will be surprised at how easy and delicious homemade salad dressing can be. For a good basic dressing, you’ll need balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and salt and pepper. Mix equal parts vinegar and oil and add salt and pepper to taste. For more flavor, try adding a dollop of Dijon mustard, a sprinkle of sugar and fresh herbs.

Here is one of my family’s favorite summer salads that is sure to be a hit at your table too! Enjoy!

 

Watermelon_Salad-300x336

 

Watermelon & Grilled Chicken Panzanella

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS: *available seasonally at the Farmers’ Market

Neutral-flavored oil (such as safflower or grape seed), as needed
10 oz boneless, skinless chicken breast*
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp fresh ground black pepper; divided
1/8 tsp sea salt
Olive oil cooking spray
8 oz whole-grain crusty bread; cut into 1-inch cubes* (about 4 cups)
1/2 small red onion; sliced very thin* (about 1/3 cup)
3 cups chopped seedless watermelon (1-inch cubes)
2 cups packed baby arugula*
1/4 cup fresh chopped mint leaves* (or basil leaves)
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp plus 1 tsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp raw honey*
2 oz goat cheese; crumbled* (about 1/2 cup)

INSTRUCTIONS:
Heat a grill to medium high and lightly oil grates. Season chicken with paprika, 1/4 tsp pepper and salt. Grill chicken, turning 2 or 3 times, until center is no longer pink and internal temperature reaches 165°F on an instant-read thermometer, 10 to 16 minutes depending on size. When cool enough to handle, chop into 1/2-inch pieces.

Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Mist a large rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray. Add bread and bake, turning halfway, until outside is crisp and light golden brown and inside is still chewy, about 10 minutes.

To a large bowl, add onion, watermelon, arugula, mint, chicken and remaining 1/4 tsp pepper. In a small bowl, whisk together oil, vinegar and honey. Add about half the dressing and toss with a large spoon. Add bread and remaining dressing and toss to combine. Divide among plates and sprinkle evenly with cheese.

Filed Under: Seasonal Recipes

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Get ready to mushroom into a world of flavor at th Get ready to mushroom into a world of flavor at the Saratoga Farmers' Market! 🍄🌱 This week, we're thrilled to highlight the Mushroom Shop and their incredible selection of locally grown and harvested mushrooms. We spoke with owner's Jacob and Elysee to learn more.

Q: What are some of the health benefits associated with consuming mushrooms?

A: Mushrooms contain a multitude of medicinal compounds. The mushroom species Cordyceps militaris contains cordycepin, which increases your blood's ability to absorb and transport oxygen, improving exercise performance. Mukitake or Panellus serotinus possesses compounds that have shown in recent studies to improve liver function in people suffering from fatty liver disease. Reishi mushrooms improve immune health, warding off sickness and reducing inflammation. Other medicinal mushrooms include Turkey Tail, Chaga, Agarikon, Maitake, and Lions Mane.

Q: What inspired you to start selling mushrooms at the farmers' market?

A: We initially got our inspiration from a mushroom farm based in Tennessee called Mossy Creek Mushrooms. They have many videos on Youtube covering every aspect of operating a mushroom farm from building and maintaining equipment to harvesting and marketing mushrooms. Jacob has had an interest in growing mushrooms as a hobby for about eight years when he discovered a patch of oyster mushrooms growing in the wild. We got the opportunity to lease land in the beginning of 2021 and shortly after started selling at farmers’ markets.

Q: How do you recommend customers prepare and cook the mushrooms they purchase from you?

A: At our farmers markets we always provide printed recipes that utilize the mushrooms available during the current season. Like meat, mushrooms can be cooked in a variety of ways, such as sautéing, roasting, and grilling to create a flavorful dish. One of our recent favorites is a Spicy Crispy Lion's Mane Sandwich- a thick slab of Lion's Mane mushroom battered and fried on a toasted bun with spicy mayo and pickles. This is a delicious take on a chicken sandwich made entirely of whole, natural produce. 

*Find the Mushroom shop year round at our Saturday markets!*

#saratogafarmersmarket
Get ready for a mouth-watering adventure! 🍴🌍 Get ready for a mouth-watering adventure! 🍴🌍 Join us on Saturday, March 25th from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm at the Saratoga Farmers' Market's International Flavor Fest in the Wilton Mall food court! 🎉 Indulge in frgál cakes, julekaker, burek, curries, samosas, and more, representing cuisines from all around the world! 🌎 There will be live music, family-friendly activities, and food tastings that will take your taste buds on a journey around the globe! 🎶👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Plus, our friends at the World Awareness Children's Museum will be hosting a paper fortune cookie making session for the kiddos! Don't forget to pick up your passport for a chance to win a prize by filling it with stamps from market vendors! Let's celebrate our traditions, history, and community through the language of flavorful food! 😍🍴

 #InternationalFlavorFest #SaratogaFarmersMarket #FoodieAdventure #CommunityConnection
Join us tomorrow for our Saturday market! From 9:3 Join us tomorrow for our Saturday market! From 9:30-1:30 you can find all your favorite vendors in the Wilton Mall Food court. We’ll by joined by the Academy of Life Long Learning, AIM Services, and musician Lee Paquin. Hope you can make it!!!

Photos of: @squash.villa.farm , KOKINDA Farm, and @eurodelicaciesco by Graciela Colston

#saratogafarmersmarket #saratogasprings #farmersmarket #agriculture #shoplocal
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is seeking donation The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is seeking donations to help improve our market and keep our nonprofit organization running. Your donation will be used for essential functions of the market as well as helping us reach more of our long-term goals for the community. We are looking for additional resources to expand our community offerings such as hosting family friendly events, programs and activities.

You can help us by donating via our GiveButter account (link in bio) or in person at the market via our market manager. Thank you for your ongoing support. We couldn’t do it without you! 

#saratogafarmersmarket #supportlocalfarmers #nonprofit #communitylove #givebutter

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