Five Easy, Delectable Salads + 4 Lush Raw Vegan Salad Dressings

I started the new year with a detox plan from Ani Phyo's Book, I'll write a full review of my experience on the 24th.  Until then, I had to share these decadent damn salads I've enjoyed along the way. They are divine, gifts from the salad gods! Try them, you will never think of a salad as a boring, unsatisfying meal again!

Place 1 cup shredded carrot, 1/4 cup cucumber thinly sliced into half moons, 1 tablespoon freshly torn mint leaves, 1 tablespoon freshly torn basil leaves, 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro leaves, and 2 tablespoons of almonds in your bowl. Toss with Apple Cider Vinaigrette and top with 1 tablespoon of nutritional yeast flakes.

Apple Cider Vinaigrette: I like this quick and easy vinaigrette for when you're hungry and in a hurry, simply wisk together 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar, 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, and a pinch of black pepper.

Place 3 cups of spring mesclun mix (or your favorite greens), 1/2 cup sprouts (any type), 1/3 cup sauerkraut, and 2 tablespoons seed or nuts (sunflower/pumpkin seeds or almonds work well) in your bowl. Toss with Thermo Dressing and top with 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast.

Thermo Dressing: Blend 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/4 cup miso, 1 to 2 teaspoons freshly minced ginger, 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast and 1 tablespoon nama shoyu or soy sauce until smooth.

This is my favorite salad ever! So rich! Add 3 cups romaine and red leaf lettuce, shreeded, 1/4 cup sliced cucumber, 3 tablespoons diced red bell pepper, and 2 tablespoons of celery to your bowl. Toss with Kreamy Chipotle Dressing.

Kreamy Chipotle Dressing: Blend 1 cup cashews, soaked in filtered water for 6 to 8 hours, rinsed well, and drained, 1 tablespoon miso, unpasteurized, any color, 1/4 teapoon chipotle, to taste, 1/2 to 3/4 cup filtered water, to desired consistency, and 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast until smooth.

Place 2 cups of spinach and 1 cup red leaf lettuce in your mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup avocado  mixing it well with your hands to massage it into the greens and coating them evenly. Next mix in 1/2 cup sauerkraut, 1 teaspoon of capers. Top with 2 tablespoons corn kernels and 2 tablespoons chopped tomatoes or a handful of grape or cherry tomatoes.

Add 2 cups of shredded cabbage and 1/2 cup carrots to your mixing bowl. Toss with Cucumber Miso Dressing and top with 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast and 1 tablespoon dulse flakes.

Cucumber Miso Dressing: Whisk 1 cup diced cucumber, 2 tablespoons miso, unpasteurized, any color, 1 tablespoon minced ginger, 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, and 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar in a small bowl. (You can blend if desired.)

Try it, Damn You! Mix and match your dressing and salads to yield new fresh creations. I love a huge salad for lunch, it's nutritious and filling and when you use these recipes, satisfying and delicious as well! An added bonus is that each of this recipes is loaded with probiotics and other "fat burning" ingredients. All of the recipes are from Ani's 15-Day Fat Blast.

By the way, I had to keep deleting "toss your salad" writing this! Not appetizing when you know the "meaning"! Ha!

What's you're favorite go-to quick and easy lunch on a busy day? Any salad recipes to share? I'd love to read 'em! It's a new year, salad time!

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