Purple Reigns: Purple Cabbage & Arugula Salad

It took me by surprise. I didn’t expect to feel such sadness.

The sudden death of Prince has left me unexpectedly feeling a loss. I find it strange to feel sad for someone who I never actually knew. But then realized this is someone who I grew up with – so many memories tied to his music…

I randomly remember sitting outside on 4th of the July and hearing When Doves Cry.  I remember Jazzercising to Little Red Corvette (yes, don’t judge). I remember being grounded for watching Purple Rain. I wasn’t quite sure what “party like it’s 1999′ meant but I knew I had to do it.  He was the last concert I saw in Philadelphia before I moved to Kansas City. I remember still being fascinated by him perform the half-time show during the Super Bowl. Every time I hear a song, more memories return.

So I’ve been binging on Prince music and watching old music videos that have one- left me laughing at how bad some of the video production was – two, realize that he was an amazing performer and three- how the heck did he look almost the same as he did in the ’80’s?!

Well your guess is as good as mine – maybe it was the 18 different types of mustard he kept in his fridge. Yup you heard me, 18 different types. Okay, I know I know – but hey – you know you’re a dietitian when you google what someone keeps in their fridge. I couldn’t help it!

But you know, I sort of get it – mustard – it’s a great condiment and versatile too. You can make a dip out it, spread it on your sandwich or top your dog with it. So in honor of Prince, here’s a Purple Cabbage & Arugula Salad with a Balsamic-Mustard Dressing.  It’s super simple to throw together and full of antioxidants (you remember antioxidants right?). And we all know how good cabbage is for you, but with purple cabbage there’s a bonus – just 1 cup provides 85% of the RDA of vitamin C and 20% of vitamin A. What does this mean? Well – maybe if you eat enough of it, you’re skin will look as youthful as Prince .

Now go put some Prince music on and get cooking!

What music brings up memories for you?