simple super salad
This Simple Super Salad could also be called Super Simple Salad. Just a few very healthy ingredients to make a wonderful side or main dish - can't beat that!Being that it's January, we're constantly being inundated (even more than usual) with "lose weight / lose weight fast!" articles, commercials, etc. And while weight certainly plays a role in health, I worry that the uber-intense spotlight on it can make it too easy to lose sight of what is really the most important overarching issue: HEALTH.Eating almost exclusively whole, clean foods - predominantly if not completely plant-based - being regularly active, stretching, taking care of yourself mentally and emotionally, and so on - as far as I'm concerned, these are all the essential components to being a healthier you (and ultimately the healthiest you, if you make it a lifestyle and not a "quick fix" temporary change). Chances are if you do these things - especially shift to eating whole foods (e.g., little to no processed), particularly tons of fresh fruits and veggies and preferably raw at least a good amount of the time - your body will reap the benefits both inside AND out.So - here's an easy and delicious salad to help either get you going or maintain your "deliciously healthy & healthfully delicious" eating! Featuring 4 of my absolute favorite foods (that all just so happen to be "super foods"): kale, tomatoes, avocado and garbanzo beans.Recipe: Simple Super Salad (serves 2 as a main dish)What You Need (use organic as much as possible!)
4-6 large handfuls of baby kale
1 cup halved grape tomatoes
1 14 oz can garbanzo beans (rinsed and drained)
2 ripe avocados, diced
lots of ground pepper and a pinch of salt
the juice of one fresh lemon
a few tablespoons of olive oil
Optional: handful of vegan croutons (breaking the no-processed food rule here - but I'm a sucker for vegan croutons that taste great since they're hard to find! I love Fresh Gourmet's Organic Seasoned version. But - if you leave these out, you'll have a fully raw salad.)
What You Do
Roughly chop the kale and place in a large bowl
Add in the halved tomatoes, beans and avocados, and toss well
Add the pepper and salt, and toss well
Squeeze the lemon juice over the salad as well as a good glug or two of olive oil (about 1-3 tbsp, depending on your preference)
Toss the salad well and you're ready to go!
Optional additions: throw in some croutons and mix well; if you want another light flavor boost, add in a tablespoon of a vinaigrette (lately I am loving Brianna's Real French Vinaigrette - all natural with no sugar added and no artificial ingredients!)