Thursday, April 3, 2014

Crunchy Chopped Salad with Zesty Dressing

We've been trying to eat more raw foods lately and different salads are at the top of the list.  This recipe is just a big chunky salad that is very versatile.  Adjust the quantities to suit your tastes and also adapt them to meet the needs of how many people you are feeding.

Have fun and play with it a little.  If you don't like heat, you might want to omit the sriracha and/or chili paste.  I used both in our dressing. I have also thought about using raspberries in place of the mangos for a more tart dressing, but have not tried it yet.

** I apologize for the pictures, it isn't very light in the kitchen while I am cooking on a rainy day.


CRUNCHY CHOPPED SALAD WITH ZESTY DRESSING

INGREDIENTS:

2-3 cups Red and Green Cabbage, coarse chopped (any mixture of one or both)
1 Red or Green Pepper, chopped
1 head Romaine Lettuce, chopped (or one bag of pre-cut)
1 Avocado, peeled and chopped
4-6 Green Onions, sliced (white and greens)
1/4-1/2 cup Cilantro, rough chopped
     *  Any other veggies such as carrots or snow peas, cucumber, etc
1 cup chopped Mango (either 1 fresh mango or 1 cup frozen, then thawed in fridge)
2 Tbsp Water
4 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tsp Garlic, minced
1 tsp Ginger, minced
1/4-1/2 tap Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 tsp Sriracha Sauce or 1/2 tsp Dry Thai Chili Paste
Sprinkle of Sea Salt and fresh ground Black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1.  Place all of the veggies in a large mixing or salad bowl.

2.  In a high speed blender or food processor blend together the water, apple cider vinegar, mango, garlic, ginger, and if you are using them, the red pepper flakes/sriracha.  Blend until smooth.  For a thinner dressing add a tablespoon of water at a time until desired consistency

3.  Plate your salad and top with the zesty dressing.

4.  Sprinkle with sea salt and pepper.

This recipe packs well for lunch the next day, just take the salad and dressing in separate containers until it is time to eat.


- Bon Appetit

"  It's bizarre that the produce manager is more important to my children's health than the pediatrician." - Meryl Streep
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10 comments:

  1. Another one to try! So far, every recipe you've posted has tasted wonderful.

    Thank you!

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    1. Thank you Richard. The kind words are appreciated.

      I usually use the mangos in smoothies or fruit salad but this was a nice change. No fresh ones around this time of year, but they have organic frozen.

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  2. Sometimes I wish I lived close enough to come over for dinner. It looks so delish!!!!

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    1. Awe, thank you Sonja. Anytime you want to stop by I'll make a feast.

      We have 2 square deep pasta bowls you can see in the picture. When we have salad it is a nice heaping serving in those. So filling too.

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  3. It has avocado so my wife will want to try it. that and burning hot stuff.

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    Replies
    1. Sounds like your wife has good taste. Avocados are a favorite of mine and I never used to like hot stuff, but over the years I've developed an enjoyment of it. Maybe I'm just losing my senses.

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    2. "Maybe I'm just losing my senses."

      I was tempted to make a comment but remembered the bumper sticker on your bike...

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    3. I haven't lost my sense of humor yet so you can say it Richard.

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  4. Ok... Am I discovering this blog for the first time!? I certainly will be back. I have been looking for more healthy eats and I know you are Vegan, so a recipe or two or three will be cooking away!

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    Replies
    1. I am glad you found it. Not all recipes are completely healthy but there are a lot of tasty ones.

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