Remember that time you tried to eat healthier, only to find yourself munching on the same old boring salads every day? Yeah, me too.
But this detox salad—oh boy—is a game-changer! It’s like a burst of freshness in your mouth, filled with vibrant colors and textures that somehow make healthy eating feel like a treat rather than a chore.
Plus, you can whip it up in no time, even if you’re juggling a million things at once, like catching up on that Netflix series everyone’s been raving about.
Steps
- Prepare the Carrot-Ginger Dressing by adding the carrot, rice wine vinegar, avocado oil, fresh ginger, honey, white miso, toasted sesame oil, salt, and pepper to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, then taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or honey if needed. Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week if not using immediately.
- For the salad, finely chop the kale leaves, broccoli florets, and red cabbage using a food processor or by hand. Place these ingredients into a large bowl for mixing.
- Add shredded carrots, roughly chopped cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, toasted slivered almonds, and diced avocado to the bowl. Toss all the chopped ingredients together to ensure they are evenly mixed.
- Just before serving, pour the desired amount of Carrot-Ginger Dressing over the salad and toss again to coat all the ingredients. If not serving all at once, keep the salad and dressing separate until ready to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 3 cups kale leaves, finely chopped
- 2 cups broccoli florets, finely chopped
- 2 cups red cabbage, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds, toasted
- 1/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and diced
- 1 batch of Carrot-Ginger Dressing
- Ginger Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 large carrot, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil or olive oil (or any mild-flavored cooking oil)
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey (or preferred sweetener)
- 1 tablespoon white miso
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
FAQ
- What is the main dressing used in this detox salad, and how is it made?
- The salad features a Carrot-Ginger Dressing, which is made by blending a large carrot, rice wine vinegar, avocado or olive oil, fresh ginger, honey, white miso, toasted sesame oil, and seasoning with salt and pepper. The ingredients are pulsed in a blender or food processor until smooth.
- Can I prepare the detox salad ingredients in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance and store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator without the dressing for up to two days. Keep the dressing in a separate sealed container and add it just before serving.
- What are the recommended base ingredients for this detox salad?
- The salad can include a variety of base ingredients such as finely-chopped kale leaves, broccoli florets, red cabbage, matchstick carrots, fresh cilantro leaves, toasted slivered almonds, thinly-sliced green onions, and diced avocado.
- Is it necessary to use a food processor to chop the salad ingredients?
- No, it is not necessary to use a food processor. You can chop the ingredients by hand if you prefer. However, a food processor can save time and effort in preparing the ingredients.
- How can I make the Carrot-Ginger Dressing sweeter if desired?
- If you prefer a sweeter dressing, you can add extra honey or your choice of sweetener while blending the ingredients. Adjust the sweetness to your taste preference.
Tips
- Consider making a double batch of the Carrot-Ginger Dressing to have some extra on hand for later in the week. It’s versatile and can be used on other salads or dishes.
- Use a food processor to chop the salad ingredients quickly and efficiently. This saves time and ensures even-sized pieces for a consistent texture.
- If you’re short on time, purchase pre-packaged mixed greens or slaw from the store as a convenient base for the salad.
- To maintain freshness, store the salad and dressing separately if you’re not serving it all at once. This way, the salad can last up to two days in the refrigerator.
Equipment
- Ginger Dressing, here is a list of main equipment that you might want to purchase if you don’t already have them at home:
- Blender or Food Processor – Essential for preparing the Carrot-Ginger Dressing and chopping salad ingredients efficiently.
- Salad Bowl – A large bowl for mixing and serving the salad.
- Chef’s Knife – Useful for chopping vegetables if not using a food processor.
- Cutting Board – For chopping and preparing ingredients safely.