Crunchy Cure-All Salad

This spring and summer have been absolutely packed in my world with tons of travels, weddings, and events. While they've been an absolute blast, it hasn't always been super ideal for my health.

Why I do try to stick to some wellness non-negotiables like hydration, taking my supplements, and getting some movement in when I can, the food while dining out and being on the road doesn't always leave you feeling your best.

I know I'm not alone when I say there's nothing more life-giving after traveling than getting back into the kitchen and whipping up a nourishing meal. It's truly something I crave!

Which is exactly how this Crunchy Cure-All Salad was born. It's packed full of detoxifying, fiber- and antioxidant-rich ingredients that will leave you feeling revived.

This loaded salad includes tons of cruciferous veggies like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage that are loaded with health benefits. These fiber-rich foods are supportive of blood sugar control, digestive health, and warding off cancer, just to scratch the surface.

I love added these "high bulk" veggies with some flavorful herbs like green onion and cilantro as well as sunflower seeds and avocado for a good punch of healthy fats (and texture).

To really make this salad craveable, though, you have to pair it with a dressing that can stand up to the heartiness of these veggies. Cue my Carrot Ginger Dressing. You guessed it, it's a simple, homemade version of your favorite Chinese takeout staple (which I can't get enough of).

You'll just add carrots, celery, ginger, and onion to a blender or food processor with some pantry staples like avocado oil, rice vinegar, and coconut aminos. The result is tangy, fresh, and so dang delicious.

Toss this all together for an insanely nutritious salad that might just be your new go-to post-travel or big weekend meal. I love serving this with a protein like chicken, steak, salmon, etc for a balanced, satisfying meal. I promise it will bring you back to life in the very best way!

Ingredients

• 2 cups finely chopped cauliflower 
• 2 cups finely chopped broccoli
• 1 cup finely chopped red/purple cabbage
• 1 cup matchstick carrot
• 2-3 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup chopped cilantro leaves
• 3-4 green onions, sliced
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1 avocado, diced

Carrot Ginger Dressing - will likely make extra

• 1 cup roughly chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1/4 yellow onion
• 2-3 inch chunk of ginger, peeled
• 1/2 cup avocado oil
• 1/4 cup coconut aminos
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• Pinch of salt & black pepper

Directions⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

1. Add all of the salad ingredients to a large bowl, and toss together.
2. To make the Carrot Ginger Dressing, add all of the ingredients to a high-speed blender, and adjust seasonings to your taste. You can always add a bit of water to thin if desired/needed. Store any extra in an air-tight container or jar in the fridge.
3. If serving immediately, pour Carrot Ginger Dressing over your salad, toss, and serve. If making ahead of time, store salad and dressing in separate air-tight containers in the fridge. Toss together when ready to eat. Enjoy!