Everyday Salad

          Spring is in full bloom now and weather you grow your own vegetables or buy them, the freshest salad fix-ens are now available. A salad is the best way to get a delicious variety of raw vegetables. Raw vegetables are so good for us because they come with all the enzymes that are needed for good digestion. Raw vegetables also provide much needed fiber, vitamins, and minerals (plus, they help to clean our teeth). Have fun while making a salad, see what new flavors you can add and change it around often. I have listed different vegetables, fruits, seeds, and nuts that I use, but don’t limit yourself—add in any healthy flavor that you can come up with. Many times it is the dressing that is the unhealthiest part of a salad so choose a dressing that enhances the flavors and nutrition of your salad. I like to squeeze a few lemon wedges over my salad.

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Greens- romaine, red or green leaf lettuce, bib lettuce, baby spinach, dandelion greens, kale, arugula, collard green, chard

Cabbage- red or green

Carrots (sliced with a vegetable peeler for a nice thin slice)

Daikons (sliced with a vegetable peeler for a nice thin slice)

Sweet peppers- red, green, orange, yellow

Hot peppers- fresh or dried

Cucumbers

Snow peas

String beans

Tomatoes- red or yellow, cherry, grape, plum

Squash- yellow, zucchini

Sprouts- alfalfa, mung, soy, radish

Avocado

Artichoke hearts

Onions- white, yellow, red

Fruit- apples, raisins, dried cranberries, dries dates

Olives- green or black

Nuts- almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pecans

Seeds- sunflower, pumpkin, ground flax, hemp

Soy beans- dried and toasted or edamame

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          Start with a base of greens, shredded cabbage, carrots or squash.  Then just build up from there with ideas from the list above and let your taste buds and eyes be your guide. Variety and change will keep you from getting tired of a daily salad plus supply you with an assortment of nutrients. Prepare the salad in a large bowl so that everyone can help themselves or in individual dishes so everyone can create their own. Serve as a side dish or as a meal.

Enjoy a salad today and everyday!