Mediterranean Detox Salad

One of the delightful things about cooking is you can use your taste buds to transport you to a vacation on your plate! This salad was inspired by the flavors we might experience in Greece or Italy... without having to buy a plane ticket or pack a suitcase!

Pleasing the palate and supporting the gut and liver, this salad is perfect for a New Year detox! A healthy gut loves fiber, especially prebiotic fiber found in foods like Jerusalem artichokes and onions! My new favorite olives from Alive & Well also provide rich flavor and good bacteria! The organic greens, broccoli and Brussels sprouts in this salad support the liver in its natural detoxifying functions. Garnishing the salad with shredded radish enhances this salad's cleansing benefits!

(source: Balch, Phyllis A. Prescription for Dietary Wellness. Penguin Group, 2003.)

Ready to make your salad? Here is what you'll need:

(Feel free to tailor to your liking... remember, you're on vacation!)

Mediterranean Detox Salad

serves 1-2

(If possible, aim to use all organic ingredients)

2 cups organic mixed greens

1 lemon, squeezed*

Basil flavored olive oil -or- organic olive oil*

Real salt® and pepper, to taste*

3-4 Brussels sprouts, sliced

4-6 broccoli florets, chopped

6-8 sundried tomatoes, rehydrated and chopped

1 Jerusalem artichoke, sliced or shredded

4 grilled artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

4-8 Alive & Well brand Green olives

1/4 red onion, chopped

1 carrot, shredded, optional

1/4 cup red radish or purple daikon radish, shredded

*alternative: Italian Vinaigrette Dressing p.133 Cook 2 Flourish Cookbook, optional

Directions:

1. Arrange the greens on a plate or in a bowl. Squeeze the lemon juice and drizzle the olive oil over the greens, or make the Italian Vinaigrette Dressing. Season to taste with the sea salt and pepper.

2. Prep the veggies accordingly and layer on the salad.

3. Chill or serve and enjoy!

This salad is wonderful with any of the following:

Herbed baked chicken

Grilled Wild Salmon

Wild Sardines (from a BPA free can)

Organic Garbanzo beans

Enjoy!

~Robin