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Ingredients
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Seasonal Rotator Base
Seasonal Preparation Ingredients
Finishing & Dressing
Method
Seasonal Rotator Base
Prepare grains
If not already cooked, rinse and cook your chosen grain according to package instructions to yield 1.5 cups cooked. Fluff and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare protein
Season the chosen protein lightly with salt and pepper. For chicken: roast or pan-sear 12 oz until internal temp reaches 165°F (about 18–22 minutes depending on cut), then rest and slice. For tofu: press, season, and pan-sear in 1 tbs oil until golden, about 6–8 minutes per side. For salmon: sear skin-side down 4–5 minutes, then finish 3–5 minutes until medium; rest and flake. Keep warm.
Wash and dry mixed baby greens and set in a large serving bowl.
Seasonal Preparation Ingredients
Prepare seasonal vegetables
Heat 2 tbs olive oil and 1 tbs butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shallot and sauté 1–2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and the 3 cups assorted seasonal vegetables (examples: spring — asparagus tips, peas, radishes; summer — zucchini, cherry tomatoes, corn; fall — roasted squash, beets; winter — braised cabbage, roasted root vegetables). Sauté or roast until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized, about 6–12 minutes depending on vegetable. Season with 3/4 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir in 1 tbs chopped herbs at the end.
If any vegetables are best roasted (beets, squash, root veg), roast at 400°F (205°C) for 20–30 minutes tossed in 1 tbs oil and salt until tender and caramelized.
Finishing & Dressing
Make the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbs lemon juice, 1 tbs apple cider vinegar, 1 tsp honey (or maple), 1 tsp Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Slowly whisk in 3 tbs olive oil until emulsified. Taste and adjust acidity or sweetness to preference.
Assemble the Rotator
In the large serving bowl with greens, add the cooked grain and gently toss to combine. Arrange the warm seasonal vegetables over the grain/greens, then top with the sliced/flaked protein. Drizzle the dressing over the assembled bowl (start with half, add more to taste). Sprinkle toasted seeds or nuts and chopped remaining herbs evenly. Finish with crumbled cheese if using, and a final crack of black pepper and a light sprinkle of sea salt.
Serve immediately while warm components are warm and greens remain slightly crisp. Provide extra dressing on the side.