Lisa’s Super Salad

Makes 2 servings

Salads, and what yo u dress them with, are full of wonderful, nutritional ingredients that are vital to a healthy body. This recipe is a guide, but think about using up the odds and ends in the fridge. If you don’t have exactly what’s on the list, improvise! You could add some dinner leftovers, a can of chick peas, cooked lentils, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, or beans for a protein punch.

These ingredients are basically the majority of my daily salad base. It is one of the ways you can get in most of your healthy, energizing whole foods daily. The toppings and protein choices may change but it will give you a consistent start to your lunch or dinner planning.

Make extra (keep avocados, onions, tomato’s, and dressing to the side and add in when ready to eat). Leave it in a covered storage bowl for another lunch or meal prep

 Ingredients: 

• 4-6 cups fresh salad greens like romaine, butter lettuce, red-leaf lettuce, arugula, spinach, kale etc …chop it and mix it up! 

• 1/2 avocado, peeled and diced (or use the whole avocado if you like!) 

• 1/2 (or more) tomato, diced OR hand full chopped cherry tomatoes

• 1/2 medium cucumber, chopped into bite-size pieces

• Handful or two of shredded red and green cabbage (about ½-1 cup) 

• 1/2 carrot, chopped or grated

• 3-4 chopped fresh basil sprigs

• 1-2 celery stalks chopped

• 4-5 chopped fresh cilantro sprigs

• ¼-1/2 cup chopped red onion or scallions

• Micro greens and or sprouts of your choice ( I love crunchy pea sprouts) 

• 1 teaspoon hemp seeds (optional) 

• 2 tablespoons toasted sunflower seeds or almonds (spread on a baking sheet and roast at 300 for just a few minutes, they toast fast so keep an eye on them!) OR use them raw.

To Prepare:

• Get a big salad bowl with lots of room. Add the lettuce, arugula, kale, tomato, and cucumber, celery, and whatever other veggies you’re playing with.

• Top with the micro greens, sprouts, avocado, carrot shavings, and herbs.

• Sprinkle with the seeds and nuts.

• Lightly salt & pepper if you like.

• Add in all your goodies (Plant Protein source, grains or other veg) Drizzle the dressing directly onto the salad and toss. Your super salad is ready for you!

Chickpea/ Tofu Lettuce Cups

Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed or 7 oz baked tofu cubes
1/2 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
1/2 cup diced cucumber
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
8 large lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter lettuce)

This also is DELISH with my peanut sauce ( just omit the oil, mustard and lemon)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chickpea Salad Mixture:

• In a large bowl, combine the drained and rinsed chickpeas, mash slightly with a fork ( or add baked tofu cubes) diced bell pepper, diced cucumber, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley ( this gives such a fresh taste).

• In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

• Pour the dressing over the chickpea or tofu mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning to taste if needed.

• 2. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps:

• Lay out the lettuce leaves on a clean surface.

• Spoon the chickpea/tofu salad mixture evenly onto each lettuce leaf, placing it near the bottom edge.

  3. Wrap and Serve:

• Fold the bottom edge of each lettuce leaf over the chickpea/tofu salad mixture

• Fold in the sides of the lettuce leaf, then roll tightly . You may also leave the lettuce leaf open and make a cup.

• Secure with toothpicks if needed.

• Serve immediately, or refrigerate in sealed container until ready to serve.

Sweet & Sexy Kale Salad

Ingredients:

•  4-6 cups washed, and dried finely chopped Kale

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, (go for mix of red and yellow for extra flavor) sliced in half.

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

• 1 green or red apple cut into small strips

• 1/4 cup walnuts broken into pieces or sunflower seeds

• Sea salt and pepper to taste

Dressing

Apple Cider Vinaigrette:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• Whisk all together in a bowl until creamy

• (OR you can use the oil free option in Dressings)

To Prepare

Mix all together in a roomy salad bowl with clean hands. “Massaging” the kale helps to soften the texture.