Because is it really fall without roasted pumpkin seeds? One of my favorite childhood memories from this time of year is carving pumpkins and then roasting the seeds. Fresh out of the oven with a little salt with perfect crunchiness! I love pumpkin seeds and look forward to roasting fresh ones after a good pumpkin carving session. So why do I bring up pumpkin seeds for this tip of the moth...well, in Chinese herbology and nutrition, pumpkin seeds or Nan Gua Pi have medicinal properties. In addition to having high levels of zinc and vitamin A, they help support the kidneys, large intestine, spleen and stomach. Pumpkin seeds are used to resolve damp type digestive problems such as diarrhea. They are also beneficial for increasing lactation in nursing mothers and helping with postpartum fluid metabolism.
Pumpkin seeds are awesome as a snack or topping, roasted with a touch of sea salt or seasoned with some chili. , but they are also really good in this amazing salad. It's really simple, but really tasty. Happy eating!
Simple Super Seed Fall Salad
Salad:
2 c baby spinach
1 head red leaf lettuce
1 c arugula
1/4 c pumpkin seeds
1/4 c hemp seeds
1/4 c sunflower seeds
1 avocado
1/2 pint cherry tomatoes
Dressing:
6 tbsp pumpkin seed oil
3 tbsp rice vinegar
sea salt to taste
black pepper to taste
1 clove minced garlic
Tear red leaf lettuce and combine all the greens in a bowl. Top with seeds, cubed avocado and cherry tomatoes. Whisk or shake all of the dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad.