Celebrate 'National Blueberry Month' With This Tasty, Arugula and Florida Berry Salad

July is National Blueberry Month, so let's celebrate!

High in antioxidants, high in fiber and low in calories, these little blue buddies can be added to your daily diet all month long. Need more convincing? Here is a rundown on the health benefits of eating blueberries.

And now for that recipe ... Enjoy!

Arugula and Florida Berry Salad

• 16 ounces arugula, rinsed and drained
• 1 dozen Florida strawberries, rinsed, hulled and sliced
• 1 cup Florida blueberries
• 2 oranges, peeled and segmented
• 8 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 1 tablespoon
• Olive oil
• Sea salt to taste
• Fresh ground pepper to taste

Candied Pecans

• 2 cups Florida pecans
• 3/4 cup natural Florida sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

Arugula and Florida Berry Salad

1. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add arugula, lemon juice and olive oil.
2. Lightly toss the arugula to coat and season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Serve on four chilled plates.
4. Add an even amount of the dressed arugula to the center of each plate.
5. Arrange an even amount of citrus, blueberries and strawberries in a decorative manner on each plate.
6. Evenly distribute the crumbled goat cheese over the top of each salad.
7. Garnish each salad with a few of the candied pecans.
8. Serve salad chilled.

Candied Pecans

1. Heat oven to 400° F.
2. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast, tossing once, until fragrant, 6 to 8 minutes; transfer to a bowl.
3. Once the baking sheet is cool, line it with parchment paper.
4. In a large skillet, combine the sugar, salt, and 2 tablespoons water.
5. Simmer, swirling the pan occasionally (do not stir as it will crystallize the caramel), until the liquid is amber colored, 12 to 15 minutes.
6. Stir in the nuts and then spread the mixture on the prepared baking sheet, separating the nuts as much as possible.
7. Let cool.
8. Break up any large clusters before serving.

Also see:

• You'll Never Again Cut Watermelon Any Other Way! VIDEO
• Florida Citrus Meets Cabernet Sauvignon: Cocktail Recipe

--Recipe and image courtesy of Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Florida Department of Health (DOH)