Heart-Healthy Action Salad Recipe from Chef Gary

At Adventist Health Tillamook, we believe that eating well should be both delicious and fun! That’s why Action Salad Thursday, led by our Executive Chef, Gary Stevenson, is such a favorite. This semi-weekly interactive salad bar brings fresh, vibrant ingredients together in creative ways to nourish your body — and in honor of National Heart Month, we’re featuring a heart-healthy Action Salad packed with flavor and good-for-you ingredients.

A Salad That Loves Your Heart Back

This Mediterranean-inspired salad is full of fiber-rich greens, healthy fats, and heart-protective nutrients. With fresh roasted beets, candied walnuts, craisins, feta cheese, Kalamata olives, garbanzo beans, and roasted Yukon gold potatoes, every bite is bursting with flavor and heart-boosting benefits. Top it off with your choice of Mediterranean Baked Chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or tofu for a protein boost and drizzle it with a homemade red wine vinaigrette to bring all the flavors together.

Try These Heart-Healthy Ingredients at Home!

Want to recreate this salad in your own kitchen? Chef Gary has shared a few of his favorite recipes so you can bring the heart-healthy goodness home!

Fresh Roasted Beets

Sweet and tender, these beets are rich in antioxidants and nitrates, which help support healthy blood pressure.

Ingredients:

• 3 medium beets, peeled and cut into wedges
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss beets in olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 30-35 minutes until tender. Let cool before adding to your salad.

Candied Walnuts

A crunchy touch of sweetness that also provides omega-3 fatty acids, great for heart health!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup walnut halves
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Directions:

In a skillet, heat maple syrup over medium heat, add walnuts and cinnamon and stir constantly for 5 minutes until coated. Remove from heat and let cool.

Red Wine Vinaigrette

A simple, zesty dressing made with heart-healthy olive oil and flavorful red wine vinegar.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp minced garlic

Directions:

Place all ingredients in a sealed jar or container and shake well until combined. Drizzle over your salad and enjoy!