Happy New Year 2016 to my Table and Dish readers. Our year has been a journey that has lead us to feel simply grateful. With so much strife in the world today we are particularly moved by the acts of kindness and generosity we see around us. Thanks for following along as we share our family recipes and adventures in gathering, nourishing and celebrating with our family and friends.
My best gift this season was to have all my kids home together. Paul has been in college in Washington DC. Next year both Paul and Joe will be away at college. It all goes far too fast. All the more reason to celebrate every small thing.
Our Christmas was celebrated in Sault Ste. Marie Michigan with my parents who live on the water overlooking Canada. Typically this area is under a thick blanket of snow and suffering sub zero temperatures this time of year. This year, on Christmas Day we enjoyed 40°f and sunny skies. The kids were able to try out their new hammocks on the docks.
We ate far too much fabulous food and far too many sweets during our stay. Now that the Holiday is behind us, we are feeling the need to make healthier choices as we head into the new year. Recently my son Mark and I decided to explore some of the fruits that we see in the produce department but have no idea how to enjoy. So for a healthier start to 2016, we’re making a Satsuma Orange and Dragon Fruit Salad with Crumbled Feta.
I’ve always loved the sweet beauty of the Satsuma oranges. They are often pictured with their beautiful greens attached. I think the greens contrasting with the bright oranges are beautiful. They have a vibrant sweet flavor that reminds me of when I was very small living in Tampa Florida where I could pick tangerines from the trees in our yard. 
Dragon fruit is a beautiful fruit grown in Southeast Asia, Mexico, Central and South America, and Israel. The plant is actually a type of cactus, and the fruit comes in three colors: two have pink skin, but with different colored flesh (one white, the other red), while another type is yellow with white flesh. Dragon fruit is low in calories and offers numerous nutrients, including Vitamin C, phosphorus, calcium, plus fiber and antioxidants. All good for our kick start to a healthy new year. Dragon fruit is sweet and crunchy, with a flavor that’s like a cross between a kiwi and a pear. You simply use a sharp knife to cut off the top and bottom then peel the skin revealing the delicious fruit flesh.
Satsuma and Dragon Fruit Salad with Crumbled Feta
This is a beautiful timeless salad. The vibrant colors and sweetness of the oranges contrast perfectly with the soft salty feta. This salad can be easily be served with sliced grilled chicken or grilled salmon to add protein to your dinner.
Ingredients:
- 3 Satsuma oranges
- 1 dragonfruit
- 4 cups of mixed greens such as arugula and mizuna
- 6 ounces of crumbled feta
- Juice of one blood orange
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
Method:
Peel the oranges and dragon fruit. Thinly slice cross sections of both.
Arrange the fruit slices on a shallow serving bowl. Top with salad greens and crumbled Feta cheese.
In a small bowl, whisk together the blood orange juice and olive oil until blended. Drizzle over salad. Salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently, and serve immediately.
I hope you will follow us in 2016 and share in our adventures. We wish you and your families a very blessed new year.
xo
Sally
