Kale & Seasonal Veggie Detox Salad

Hi friends! This week I'm sharing a "Detox Salad" recipe with you. I call it "detox" because it's loaded with nutritiously dense and gut friendly veggies that will help boost your digestive system, and get you feeling great! We all have those days or weekends where we indulge in foods and drinks, and that's great, it's all about balance, but when you're feeling like you need a reboot, eating whole foods (primarily plant based) packed with nutrients and fiber, will be your best bet. While I love juices and cleansing, I always promote eating whole foods to "detox" over just juicing!

INGREDIENTS:

Makes: 1 Large Salad (appx. 3-4 bowls)

Time: 30 minutes

- 3-4 cups torn & washed kale leaves (I use Lacinto Kale)

- 2 small/medium sweet potatoes (cut into cubes w/ skin on)

- 1 fennel bulb (sliced into small pieces)

- 1/2 red onion (chopped)

- 1 pkg Firm Tofu (cut into small cubes -- I buy mine from Trader Joes)

- 2 medium beets (I buy them raw, peel and steam them for 40 minutes, but if you don't have time, buy them pre-steamed from Trader Joe's or Whole Foods)

- 1 cup quinoa cooked per pkg instructions (I prefer sprouted quinoa as it's easier to digest)

- 1/4 cup raw cashews

- 1 tsp turmeric powder

OPTIONAL Tahini Peanut Dressing:

- 2 TBSP Tahini (This is only $5.99 at Trader Joe's)

- 1 TBSP raw peanut butter

- 1 tsp raw apple cider vinegar

- 1 tsp Tamari sauce (or low sodium soy sauce)

-  sprinkle red chili flakes

PREPARATION:

- Preheat the oven to 375, and line or lightly grease a baking sheet. Toss the sweet potatoes and fennel with roasting oil (preferably avocado oil or coconut oil) and sea salt. Roast for 20-25 minutes.

- In a grill pan, or skillet, add chopped onions to 1 tbsp oil (again, I use avocado oil). After about 2-3 minutes, add tofu, sea salt, and turmeric powder and toss for about 10 minutes until tofu starts to brown. Finally, add in the kale to wilt for about 1-2 minutes.
- In a large salad bowl, add the all ingredients, top with cashews, and drizzle with dressing! If you choose not to make the dressing above, simple olive oil and avocado is also my favorite "dressing." Or, if you're like my husband, you put Sriracha on everything (hence the top right salad bowl pictured) :)