Christmas Tree Super Salad

Caties-Organics-Whole-Plant-Foods-Christmas-Tree-Super-Salad

This salad is colorful and a true Holiday themed delight. Great for dinners and parties! And it’s terrific amounts of antioxidants, fiber, minerals, vitamins and overall great food combining! So amazing in taste that it doesn’t even need oil!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!

Ingredients:

1 bunch organic swiss chard (red or green will work) it needs to be rinsed  make sure to slice into thin ribbons

1/3 cup pomegranate seeds (about the amount from from 1 medium pomegranate)

3/4 cup frozen red globe grapes, sliced

2 satsuma mandarin oranges, chopped

1 small onion, diced

1/4-1/2 cup chopped pecans, raw

2 Tbsp dried cranberries (or another dried fruit like dried golden raisins or even chopped dates!) – organic

1 small honeycrisp apple, organic – chopped

*tip: those frozen grapes help to keep the salad nice and cool for you and your holiday guests! I simply freeze the grapes, then right before I slice and toss with the salad, I run them under warm to hot water to quickly “thaw” the outside layer. This washes off any ice crystals too. It also seems to easily release lots of sweet grape flavor!

Dressing/Seasonings Greetings

2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

1 Tbsp maple syrup, grade B

1/3 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/4 tsp fine black pepper

1/8 tsp coriander

a pinch of cayenne (optional, but warms up things nicely)

1/8 tsp turmeric powder

a few pinches of satsuma orange zest

(feel free to use your own seasonings as desired as well – or use your own favorite dressing.)

Star Topper:

1 slice of toast, I would recommend using sprouted grain bread, as it’s better on the stomach!

Other ingredients that work well as substitutions are pear, avocado, dates, bell pepper, corn, grains like quinoa or brown rice, beans, tomatoes, diced roasted squash or sweet potato …have fun with it!

Directions:

Simply prep all your ingredients and toss them with the dressing/spices in a large bowl. Toss and mix very well since this will help to distribute the flavors and infuse the chard with flavor..Make sure you serve either right away or refrigerate asap, as the chard tends to wilt. Should within 24 hours for sure! Serve raw and chilled. The “star” tree topper, just toast some bread, slice with a knife, cut out a star shape, or use a star-shaped cookie cutter!