Delicious Crunchy Salad - "Lettuce be grateful for fresh and crunchy salads!"

I'd like to take credit for this salad recipe because I have evolved it into what it is today. But, the truth is, Dr. Gringeri is the one that inspired this salad originally, so we share ownership of its creation. Appropriately named, "Crunchy Salad", it has been a go-to salad for us for the better part of a year now. And, while there are many ingredients to this salad, it is easy to make because once you get the hang of tossing in the amounts you want, you don't need to measure anymore. You will know what you like and how much to add.

"A salad is incomplete without something crunchy." - Ruth Reichlv

Delicious Crunchy Salad

This salad is packed with flavor! Here is everything you need to make this salad. I gave approximate measurements as I never measured anything until I wanted to share this recipe. But, I did test it, and it works!

4 SERVINGS

30 MINUTES PREP TIME (initially). 20 MINUTES or less, once you get used to making the salad.

Salad Ingredients:

• 4 generous hand-fulls of ready-made (already washed) Spring Mix greens. Lightly chopped.

• 1/8 cup (a little less) shelled hemp seeds (optional)

• 1/4 cup sprouted pumpkin seeds

• 1/4 cup sunflower seeds (salted or unsalted)

• 1/2 cup pecans, chopped

• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

• 2/3 of a sweet, crunchy apple

• 8 grade tomatoes, sliced

• Thinly sliced red onion. (You can add as much onion as you like. Keep the slices thin, or it can be an overpowering taste depending on how strong your onion is.)

  
  

After making this salad several times, I don't measure the amounts of all the nuts and cranberries. I just sprinkle them into the greens. You can do the same after you make it a couple of times. That saves prep time.

Dressing Ingredients:

• A little less than 1 tsp. garlic powder

• A little less than 1 tsp. lemon pepper

• A little less than 1 tsp. black pepper

• Salt to taste (Note: try the salad before salting, especially is your sunflower seeds are salted, it does not need too much salt. You can always add if needed.)

• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar

• 1/2 cup olive oil

After making this salad several times, I don't measure the amount of the dressing ingredients. I just shake them into the salad, and sprinkle some red wine vinegar and drizzle the olive oil. You will know when you can trust yourself to do the same.

Putting the Salad Together

1. I like to chop the ready-made spring mix because the leaves are often big. Lightly chop greens and add them to your salad bowl

2. Measure your hemp seeds, nuts, and cranberries as needed and sprinkle on top of your greens.

3. Chop your apple into bite size pieces. Slice your tomatoes and your red onion. Once you slice your onion pieces, I cut them into medium pieces. Then put apples, tomatoes, and onions into the salad.

Making the Dressing

I don't make the dressing in a separate bowl, but if you would like to test the dressing before you pour it on your salad, then a separate bowl is a good way to go.

1. Adding directly to the salad - Measure your dressing ingredients and sprinkle them on top of your salad, then toss the salad to mix all the dressing ingredients together. OR,

2. In a separate bowl - Measure your dressing ingredients and whisk them together. Taste the dressing and see if it needs any adjustments. Then, pour on your salad and toss.

"Bon appétit!" - Julia Child

We hope you enjoy this salad as much as we do. You can alter the ingredients to make it slightly different depending on your mood. Sometimes, Dr. G and I leave out the apples and cranberries for a less sweet salad (and if you are watching your glucose). You can add your favorite cheese (cotija or feta). You can also add a protein (chicken or salmon) for a delicious meal. There are many variations - have fun!

Wishing you continued health,

Lynn May-Gringeri

Office Manager