Bottom’s Up Green Salad

You’ve probably thrown a party where you’ve forgotten the dressing altogether because you’re trying to avoid soggy lettuce. The perfect solution? Put the dressing in the bottom of the bowl, where it can lurk unnoticed (right under the chewy, tart cherries, pumpkin seeds and lettuce) until you’re ready to serve it. The vinaigrette can also be made ahead so all you have to do is assemble the salad on the day of the big feast. With a little pre-planning, presenting a fabulous meal is not out of your reach, even with the pain and fatigue that can come with arthritis. 
 
To make this recipe, by professional recipe developer Jess Thomson, who has lupus, you will need a container with a lid for mixing the vinaigrette and a large bowl for serving. 
 
Nutrition information (per serving)*: Total Fat (31.8g); Carbohydrates (28g); Sodium (275mg); Sugar (21g); Fiber (3g); Cholesterol (0mg); Protein (6g)

Balsamic-Dijon vinaigrette
2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
2/3 to 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
 
Salad
1 cup dried sour cherries
3/4 cup toasted pumpkin seeds (also sold as pepitas), unsalted
2 (5-oz.) bags mixed baby greens

• The vinaigrette can be refrigerated up to a week. Bring to room temperature and shake again before serving. The extra virgin olive oil in this vinaigrette is great for people with arthritis. It contains biologically active compounds such as the polyphenols oleocanthal, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol and lignans, which have been linked to reduced joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis. 
• Love cheese? Add  ounces of crumbled goat cheese to the bottom of the bowl with the dried cherries and pumpkin seeds. Goat cheese may be easier for people to digest, especially if they are lactose intolerant. It also contains healthy, proteins, fatty acids and probiotics.  
• This salad is also highly customizable. You can use cranberries instead of cherries, swap pepitas with sliced almonds or try a different type of cheese. Just make sure you choose unsalted nuts and dried fruit with low or no added sugar to up the health benefits.  

*Disclaimer: All nutritional information provided is approximate and based on USDA measurements. Actual amounts may vary based on exact ingredients used, how they are prepared and serving size.