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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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Market days are some of the best days and we are h Market days are some of the best days and we are here for it from 9 AM to 1 PM this Saturday at High Rock Park.  This week is extra special as we celebrate the Pumpkin Fest. 

Here's the schedule:

9 am to 1 pm Saratoga Farmers' Market
11 am to 1 pm Pumpkin Painting
11 am to 4 pm Giant Pumpkin Festival

Learn more here: https://www.saratogafarmersmarket.org/celebrating-fall-at-the-8th-annual-pumpkinfest/

This is a collaborative effort with Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and @saratogacitycenter 

#saratogafarmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket🔆 #shoplocalsaratoga #supportlocallygrown #supportlocallyproduced #saratogapumpkinfest #giantpumkinfestival
We are also hosting a children’s pumpkin paintin We are also hosting a children’s pumpkin painting event from 11 am to 1 pm for ( $8 donation). The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is a 501(c)3 and these small fundraisers help to support our free educational programming, intern program, emergency farm fund, etc 

Our activities are in conjunction with the Saratoga Pumpkin Festival this weekend - Saturday, September 23rd!

What’s happening?

Saratoga Farmers’ market 9 am to 1 pm

Saratoga Pumpkin Festival 11 am to 4 pm

This is a free family event that starts at the Saratoga City Center parking garage on High Rock Avenue and continues down to the Saratoga farmers Market.  This is a community collaboration with the Saratoga county chamber of commerce, Saratoga Springs city center and the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

We look forward to seeing you Saturday!

#saratogafarmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket🔆 #saratogapumpkinfest #saratogapumpkinfestival #giantpumpkinfestival #giantpumpkinfestival2023
We love market days! Our vendors are really some We love market days!  Our vendors are really some of the best people … and so are our customers.

The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is not only a great place to grab everything you need for your weekly shopping.  It’s a place where you get to have conversations and meet the people who grow your food and make the products they offer. 

It’s more than shopping; it’s an experience!  So come down and experience the market today … we are at High Rock Park from 3pm to 6pm.

#saratogafarmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket🔆 #shoplocalsaratoga #shoplocalsaratogasprings #supportlocalfarmersmarkets
The Saratoga Pumpkin Festival is this weekend Satu The Saratoga Pumpkin Festival is this weekend Saturday, September 23rd!!!!

What’s happening?

Saratoga Farmers’ market 9 am to 1 pm

Saratoga Pumpkin Festival 11 am to 4 pm

This is a free family event that starts at the Saratoga City Center parking garage on High Rock Avenue and continues down to the Saratoga farmers Market.  This is a community collaboration with the Saratoga county chamber of commerce, Saratoga Springs city center and the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

We are also hosting a children’s pumpkin painting event from 11 am to 1 pm for ( $8 donation). The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is a 501(c)3 and these small fundraisers help to support our free educational programming, intern program, emergency farm fund, etc 

We look forward to seeing you Saturday!

#saratogafarmersmarket #saratogafarmersmarket🔆 #saratogapumpkinfest #saratogaevents #fallinsaratoga #giantpumpkinfestival

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