{"id":11182,"date":"2012-04-18T12:55:54","date_gmt":"2012-04-18T17:55:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/crankymouse.com\/?p=11182"},"modified":"2012-04-18T13:53:43","modified_gmt":"2012-04-18T18:53:43","slug":"bean-and-barley-arugula-salad-a-picnic-for-the-planet-giveaway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/crankymouse.com\/index.php\/2012\/04\/18\/bean-and-barley-arugula-salad-a-picnic-for-the-planet-giveaway\/","title":{"rendered":"Bean and Barley Arugula Salad: A Picnic for the Planet Giveaway"},"content":{"rendered":"

Large cannellini beans, barley, and arugula mix together to become an easy salad for bringing to the park to enjoy on a warm spring day. April 22nd is Earth Day. Get involved. Have a Picnic for the Planet.<\/em>
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\nThe weather has been kind lately. Too kind, almost.
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Where I live the weather can change quickly, from sunny and warm to cold and snowing overnight (as it did Sunday to Monday this week). The changing seasons and shifting temperatures remind us to take advantage of the good weather while it’s here: forcing us outdoors, inviting the neighbors over at the last minute, postponing dinner to get a family bike ride in. If you live in a climate that is regularly 70 degrees and sunny, taking advantage of a nice day to get outside and enjoy it may not be a priority. You get overly comfortable with the idea that tomorrow will be just as nice, every bit as enjoyable and inviting.
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\nNever stop taking advantage of those perfect moments when the breeze is gently blowing, the sun slowly setting in the west. Those nights are the perfect excuse for an outdoor picnic, for standing around with friends and neighbors and talking. Your house doesn’t need to be clean, but you can still enjoy the weather and the company of the people you love.
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\nSunday, April 22nd is Earth Day, and the Nature Conservancy is encouraging everyone to get outside and enjoy and celebrate the planet we live on. Last year’s Picnic for the Planet<\/a> boasted over 600 picnics in 61 countries across the globe. This year, The Nature Conservancy is going for the official Guinness Book of World Records title for the most people picnicking in a 24-hour period. Find out how you can join in on Picnic for the Planet<\/a> and get involved in setting the record!<\/p>\n

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Bean and Barley Arugula Salad<\/a><\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

Print me!<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
\n2 cups cooked barley
\n2 cups cooked cannellini beans
\n1\/4 cup diced red onion
\n1\/2 lemon, juiced and zested
\n2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
\n1 teaspoon salt
\n1\/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
\n1\/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
\n2 tablespoons olive oil
\n1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
\n2 cups baby arugula leaves
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In a large bowl, combine the barley, cannellini beans, and red onion. In a small container, whisk together the lemon juice and zest, red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Slowly whisk in the oil. Pour the dressing over the barley and bean mixture and toss to coat evenly. Place the bowl in the refrigerator and allow to sit for 30 minutes for the flavors to combine.
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Just before serving, add in the tomatoes and arugula, and toss to combine. Serve chilled.
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\nMakes 6 servings.
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Copyright © Food for My Family<\/a>.<\/center><\/font>\n<\/div>\n

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A Giveaway:<\/font><\/h3>\n

I’m giving away a Picnic for the Planet basket from The Nature Conservancy full of fun picnic supplies for the summer! <\/strong><\/p>\n