Energy lovers dream salad

By Sari Huhtala

Nutritional experts advise eating between 30 to 50 different plants weekly to create a better health path. It sounds like a lot, but one salad alone can get you one third of a way to that goal, and the prize – extra vim and vitality.

It’s no secret eating cruciferous veggies like gut-loving broccoli and cauliflower daily ups the ante in disease prevention, but finding ways to incorporate them into a daily diet may seem like a chore.

Turn your drab salad of greens, cukes and tomatoes into a health lovers dream. This salad idea is easy to prepare, and you can make the veggie mix ahead of time and easily store it in the fridge for up to four days. This way, you simply scoop a cup or more into your bowl of greens, or enjoy it without greens, add a dressing, mix and enjoy.

For this salad, choose a variety of vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, beets and radishes are a mainstay for me, then I add extras like celery, Brussels sprouts, cabbage or whatever I have on hand.

You can chop the veggies by hand, but a food processor is a quick and easy way to chop them up into small pieces for any salad. Simply wash and cut veggies into chunks then process into smaller pieces. Pour all the veggies into a bowl, cover and refrigerate.

When you’re ready to make a salad, simply toss your choice of greens like arugula, kale, spinach or mixed greens into a bowl, scoop your veggie mix on top, pour your homemade salad dressing over it, then toss and enjoy. You can sprinkle pumpkin seeds, hemp seeds and sunflower seeds on top. Chunks of avocado are a nice topping too.

Here’s a couple of ideas for homemade salad dressings:

Italian vinaigrette

• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup white balsamic vinegar or white wine condiment
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• Add ingredients to a jar and shake. Store at room temperature.

Honey Dijon vinaigrette

• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 – 2 tsp raw honey

Add ingredients to a jar and shake. Store at room temperature.

Sari Huhtala is the creator, publisher and editor of Alive and Fit Magazine, which was created in 2007.  She has over 25 years of experience in journalism and over 15 years of experience as a certified personal trainer and fitness instructor, and is a holistic chef, offering holistic cooking and edible wilds workshop, and My Farmacy workshops. She is an organic farmer, wild-crafter and grandmother, who has spent over 20 years navigating a holistic, healthy path for her family. Reach her at friends@thelaughingforest.ca