Looking for a fabulously delicious way to stay healthy through the cold and flu season? This salad is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Make a bunch and enjoy the left overs.
For the Roasted Roots:
Choose at least 3 of the following:
1 large onion (yellow or red), peeled
3 large carrots
1-2 sweet potatoes
1-2 medium parsnips (looks like an off white carrot)
1 medium rutabega
2 medium beets*
1 medium daikon radish (looks like a big long smooth white carrot)
2-3 medium turnips
about 1-2 T. extra virgin, cold-pressed olive oil
Real or Celtic salt and pepper to taste
Optional – herbs I like include oregano, thyme and rosemary
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Scrub (no need to peel) your veggies of choice.
Chop into similar sized bite-sized pieces and collect in a large mixing bowl.
* note: if you are using red beets, you may want to prep and roast separately as they tend to color everything else.
Toss the vegetables with the oil and seasonings until well coated.
Line 2 (maybe 3) baking sheets with unbleached parchment paper (available at most health food stores), then distribute vegetables in a single layer on each sheet.
Bake for about 40-60 minutes (depends on the size of your pieces), until slightly browned on the outside and beginning to soften on the inside.
Serve on a big bed of fresh greens(below) while warm or once cooled.
Store the leftovers in the fridge for a quick nourishing snack or side dish.
Great for sweet cravings!
Bed of Greens:
½ bunch arugula, chopped if large
1 bunch spinach, chopped if large
½ bunch parsley, chopped
1/ bunch kale, chopped (lightly steam if you have thyroid issues)
optional: Fresh minced garlic to taste (this will give you an extra immune boost and keep the vampires away!)
Squeeze of lemon (optional)
Extra olive or flax oil (optional)
Add some other raw veggies like diced red bell pepper, chopped celery, grated carrot, etc.
Add a protein boost:
– 1-2 organic eggs
– 3(ish) ounces wild fish, organic poultry or 100% grass fed meat
– 3-4 ounces baked tempeh
– ½ cup garbanzo, black beans or aduki beans
– handful raw (preferably soaked) almonds or other nut or seed of choice
Make a bunch and enjoy this throughout your week.
And just wait to see how great you will feel!
