Build A Bomb-ASS Salad

Posted on March 30, 2015 Updated on March 30, 2015

I like a Big Salad. 

I also like a little Seinfeld.

I strive to get salad in every day because the nutritional benefits of raw veggies are like, INSANE.

However, It isn’t always easy or exciting to munch on salads every day of the week.

Do I think salads get old, fast?

HELL YEAH.

I’m here to inspire  you to build a better salad.  A salad that keeps your tastebuds excited.

A more BOMB-ASS SALAD.

Building a better salad involves some creativity on your part, so look alive folks. I need your head in the game, here. I’ll give you a simple recipe for success, you choose from the many options given, or go rogue and do your own thing if you feel so inspired.

As if you need me to explain the benefits of eating salad, but if you want a little push over the edge I’ll give you a blurb of all the wonderful things you get when you eat fresh salads:

FIBER. Ever heard of it?

Fiber can help lower cholesterol, control blood sugar levels and maintain bowel health. Might be TMI but it is ESSENTIAL to your WELL BEING to have a fully functioning elimination system. When you eat quality foods, the body is able to extract the nutrients it needs and then get rid of what it doesn’t need— the (literal) crap you DON’T want sitting in your body for a long period of time backing up your pipes. Fiber keeps things moving.

The nutrients from your assorted mix ins can range depending on what you choose, but it is proven that the consumption of raw vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, cancer. <—-NEED I SAY MORE?

 

So, whats the secret recipe to building a Bomb-Ass Salad?

 

–> GREENZ <–

–> MIX-INZ <–

–> CRUNCH FACTOR <–

–> DRIZZLE <–

 

Greenz- These are the base of your salad. The most nutrient-dense options are dark, leafy varieties. Keep your tastebuds guessing and try different combinations. Shoot for at least 2 cups of greenz.

Choose from:

Field Greens, Spinach, Kale, Arugula, Chard, Watercress Iceberg, Romaine, Dandelion Greens, Mustard Greens. There are endless options.

Mix-Inz-  This is where the magic happens. Mix-inz are assorted chopped vegetables and fruit that add flavor and nutrients. Shoot for a rainbow variety of mix inz and score bonus points in the form of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Use ½-1 cup chopped Mix-Inz.

Choose from:

Pepper, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Snap Peas, Tomatoes, Cucumbers, Onions, Mushrooms, Carrots, Celery, Beets, Cabbage, Asparagus,Fermented Veggies, Avocado, Oranges, Apple, Grapes, Mango, Pineapple, Pomegranate Seeds, Strawberry, Fresh Herbs —> Get The Picture?

 

CRUNCH FACTOR– These babes up the ante in your Bomb-Ass Salad. The Crunch Factor allows you to add healthy fat or vegan protein to boost the nutritional crunch punch in your bowl. Use 2-4 tablespoons for this section.

Choose from:

Raw Seeds, Raw Nuts, Chia Seeds, Shredded Coconut Flakes, Flax Seeds, Goji Berries

 

DRIZZLE- The DRESSING. Dressing salad is a MUST for some folks who can’t stomach the thought of chewing lettuce. The internet has an endless supply of recipes suited for your ever changing taste. When I need inspiration, I search Paleo Dressings– this gives me recipes that consist of the most basic ingredients and I substitute the honey in most recipes for stevia or coconut sugar.

** Time Saving Tip**

I make a jar or two of dressings in the beginning of the week and store them in the fridge.

 

“But Sam! What about the protein?!”

Add in whatever you prefer for protein. My intention was to help you beef up your veggie game.

To get your juices flowing, I’ve provided you with not 1, not two, but THREE Bomb-Ass Salad recipes that bitch-slap boring bowls of lettuce in the face.

 

Summery Strawberry Salad

Recipe By: Samantha Rispoli

2 cups organic romaine and spinach mix

¼ cup sliced red onion

¼ cup chopped organic celery

½ cup sliced organic strawberries

2 tbsp slivered almonds

Lemon Chia Vinaigrette

Juice of 1 lemon

1 tbsp sweet (honey, maple syrup, coconut sugar, xylitol or ½ tsp liquid)

1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

¼ cup olive oil

1 tbsp chia seeds

Directions:

1. Whisk dressing ingredients in a bowl or shake to combine in a bottle.
2. Toss prepped salad ingredients in a bowl and drizzle with vinaigrette. Toss ingredients to coat and serve.

 

Massaged Kale and Ruby Kraut

Recipe By: Samantha Rispoli

2 cups chopped organic dinosaur kale leaves

½ ripe avocado

juice of ½ lemon

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

2 tbsp raw sunflower seeds

½ cup Ruby Kraut

Directions

1. In a large bowl, add kale, avocado, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
2. Massage ingredients together with hands for 2 minutes.
3. Top salad with raw sunflower seeds and Ruby Kraut. Enjoy!

 

Thai Ginger Salad

Recipe By: Samantha Rispoli

1 cup sliced red and/or green cabbage

1 cup romaine, chopped

1 small carrot, grated

½ cup chopped sugar snap peas

½ organic red pepper, sliced

2 tbsp cashews

Ginger Sesame Dressing

¼ cup tahini

3 tbsp coconut aminos

1 tbsp sesame oil

½ tbsp fresh ginger, grated

1 tsp garlic, minced

½ tsp red pepper flakes

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together dressing ingredients.
2. In a large bowl, toss together salad ingredients with ginger dressing until coated.
3. Serve topped with cashews. Enjoy!

Now, go out there and make some bomb salads, my friends!

Do you ever get in a salad rut? Leave a comment and tell me your favorite ways to beat the boring salad blues!

Xo Sam