This recipe uses ingredients from our Pensacola, Florida location. Check out our other blog post from today to see what our friends in Janesville, Wisconsin are cooking up!

At Bodacious Shops, we believe in celebrating not just the years in life but the life in those years, much like those living in the Blue Zones, and our latest pairing of the month takes center stage—Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar and Blood Orange Olive Oil.

As a reminder, in Blue Zones, food is not just sustenance; it’s a celebration of life. These regions, where people experience remarkable longevity, share common dietary principles that contribute to their well-being. From Sardinia to Okinawa, meals are comprised of whole foods that offer a plethora of health benefits.

Our February pairing of the month brings a unique twist to your table. The rich, velvety notes of Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar blend seamlessly with the zesty, citrusy flair of Blood Orange Olive Oil to create a vinaigrette that takes your salad to the next level.

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Recipe—Arugula Salad with Chocolate Orange Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 12 oz fresh arugula, washed
• 1 Tbsp Bodacious Chocolate Dark Balsamic Vinegar
• 2 Tbsp Bodacious Blood Orange Olive Oil
• 1 Tbsp East Hill Honey
• 1 Tbsp shallot, minced
• 1/4 cup nuts of choice (candied pecans, chopped walnuts, etc.)
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp pepper
• Fruit, if desired—sliced strawberries, blueberries, chopped figs, raisins, Craisins, and/or pomegranate seeds

Directions:

1. Whisk together Bodacious Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar, Bodacious Blood Orange Olive Oil, local East Hill Honey, and salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
2. Combine arugula, minced shallot, and chopped nuts in a large bowl.
3. Pour the chocolate orange vinaigrette over the arugula salad and toss to combine.
4. Add fruit(s) of choice.
5. If desired, season with more salt and pepper to taste.
6. Divide and enjoy!
7. Why This Recipe Resonates with Blue Zone Living

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In Blue Zones, meals are a celebration of simplicity and goodness. This arugula salad embodies the essence of Blue Zone dining with its fresh, seasonal ingredients. Arugula, rich in nutrients, pairs harmoniously with the rich vinaigrette, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.

Beyond the delectable taste, these featured ingredients bring a wealth of health benefits. The polyphenols in chocolate balsamic and the heart-healthy fats in blood orange olive oil contribute to cardiovascular health, aligning with the principles of Blue Zone living and American Heart Month.

Explore this flavorful journey with us by following us on social media at @bodaciousshops. Until next time, cheers to health, joy, and good olive oil.