I love salad especially when it is hot outside, which is practically all year round in Texas. I love this detox salad recipe, as it is clean and delicious packed with vital nutrients and proteins our body’s truly crave.
Why did I combine these ingredients together? Some of the health benefits of these ingredients include:
Kale is in the cruciferous family, which is makes it a great super food. It’s nutrients include Vitamin A, Vitamin C and K as well as minerals like copper, potassium, iron, manganese and phosphorous. Did you know vegetables can pack protein? One cup of kale is equivalent to approximately 40 calories and 3 grams of protein.
Garbanzo beans are included as a focal point of this salad because of its protein power. Although kale has protein, I wanted to ramp it up in this salad so hunger doesn’t come knocking at your door soon after you eat. Garbanzo are also nutrient packed with fiber, manganese, iron and more. They are great for stabilizing your blood sugar, maintaining good heart health as it aids in lowering your LDLs, and it includes antioxidants that can lower the risk of cancer.
Broccoli sprouts contain glucoraphanin and sulforaphane, which turn on our body’s natural protection against cancer. Based on studies done by John Hopkins scientists, 3-day old broccoli sprouts can contain up to 20-50 times more anti-cancer properties in comparison to mature broccoli! Broccoli sprouts taste similarly to alfalfa sprouts so you can sprinkle them over salads, add in smoothies, or top your favorite meals with a few for healthy garnish that is nutritious and delicious.
Parsley is related to the celery family and is one of the most popular herbs in the culinary world. It’s nutrient profile is packed with Vitamin K , Vitamin C, Vitamin A, folate, and iron.
Cucumbers are an amazing vegetable and part of the Curcubitaceae family, which is the same family as some melons and squash. Cucumbers are not only cooling and hydrating to the body (that’s why we put them on our eyes as a beauty treatment), but cucumbers also have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. I specifically recommend to use English Cucumbers as they are easier on the body to digest.
Avocado is actually a fruit with high fat content. The “good” fats in avocado are alpha-linolenic acid, which is an omega-3 fatty acid, and oleic acid. Avocados have numerous phytonutrients, as well as pantothenic acid, dietary fiber, vitamin K, copper, folate, vitamin B6, potassium, vitamin E, and vitamin C. Avocados are a personal favorite of mine and my kitchen is always stocked with them!
Bottom line, this salad is packed with nutrients that will benefit your entire body. Eat up and enjoy!
Green Goddess Detox Salad Recipe Serves 1-2 (1 cup serving size)
1 cup finely chopped kale
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
1/4 cup broccoli sprouts
1/2 cup finely chopped english cucumber
1 can organic garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
1 whole avocado, chopped
1 tablespoon organic extra virgin cold-pressed olive oil
Lemon juice, to taste
Pink Himalayan Salt and Pepper, to taste