You know I couldn’t start the New Year off without a new salad recipe.  I have been trying to eat really clean since the New Year because I have gained several pounds.  I am up about 5-6 pounds more than I like to weigh.  I have tried to limit my snacks, carbs, and sugar.  I will post a food dairy soon sharing my meals for a few days.  This salad is a great detox salad because it is filled with so many vegetables which equals so many vitamins and nutrients for your body.  I left the cheese off because I was trying to make it a really clean meal but this would be amazing with some chopped feta or blue cheese added in as well.  

For the dressing I really recommend the Raw Organic Apple Cider Vinegar.  It is really good for digestion.  You could sub red wine vinegar or balsamic vinegar though if you don’t have apple cider vinegar.

The salad will save in your fridge for several days if you keep the dressing separate.

It is such a gorgeous salad, a rainbow on a plate!

Enjoy!

|| C R U N C H Y  C H O P P E D  D E T O X  S A L A D ||

– 1 head of romaine shredded

– 1 small bunch lacindo kale shredded

– 1/2 head purple cabbage chopped

– 1 cup carrots chopped (about 3 carrots)

– 1 cup celery chopped (about 3 celery)

– 1/2 pint cherry tomatoes diced

– 1/4 cup red onion diced

– 1/2 English cucumber diced

– 1/2 cup chopped silvered almonds

– 1 cup chickpeas

D R E S S I N G 

– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

– 1/3 cup olive oil

– 1 garlic clove minced

– 1/2 lemon juice

– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

– salt and pepper

shake all to combine or whisk with fork.

Assemble all ingredients in a bowl.  Toss together and drizzle with dressing.  Add cheese if you want!

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I had a reader request to share my favorite cookbooks.  No joke I own at least 50 cookbooks.  I love collecting them.  Some people like to browse coffee table books, I like to browse cookbooks.  They provide me so much inspiration.  I am kind of a cookbook snob though.  I am particular about format and I really like a picture with each recipe.  I have handful of cookbooks that I use more often than others and that is the ones pictured below.  You can’t go wrong with any of them!  

I have to admit I am a bit obsessed with Ina Garten, she is my food hero.  I own every single one of her cookbooks and I promise they are all amazing.  I tried to narrow down my 3 favorites from her.  I also love Gwyneth Paltrow’s cookbooks so many of my favorite veggie sides have come from her.  

The Donna Hay cookbook is hands down the most beautiful cookbook, her food pictures are stunning.  Clean Slate is perfect for getting back on track and healthy eating.

I would love to hear if you have any favorites not on my list!

Donna Hay Fresh and Light | Clean Slate | Sprouted Kitchen

Back to Basics | Make it Ahead | Foolproof

It’s All Good | My Father’s Daughter | Thug Kitchen