Sweet-N-Tangy Cruciferous Crunch Salad

For an effortless,  quick,  flavorful salad option that will not go limp before your eyes, try using Cruciferous Crunch Collection from Trader Joe's,  an assortment of chopped kale, Brussel sprouts, green and red cabbage, and broccoli.  This tossed ensemble of raw vegetables, dried fruit and seeds has a most taste-bud tantalizing flavor balance and layers of palate pleasing textures, and will be a perfect starter to your next party. 

Ingredients:

1. 1 tbsp good quality yellow mustard
2. 2 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
3. 2-3 tbsp of white balsamic vinegar
4. the juice of 1 lemon
5. a few drizzles of honey
6. ½ bag Cruciferous crunch from Trader Joe's
7. a handful of pepitas (pumpkin seeds), roasted
8. a few roasted coconut chips (also available at Trader Joe's)
9. a handful of dried cherries or dried cranberries
10. 2-3 shallots or half red onion sliced veil-thin
11. a few drizzles of balsamic vinegar glaze
12. sea salt (and optional black or white pepper) to taste

Directions:
The beauty of this salad is that it doesn’t have to be consumed right away due to wilting of the greens, but rather, it maintains the crunch  and can be prepared ahead of time, and even be refrigerated, covered, and enjoyed the next day.

In a small bowl, whisk together the first 5 ingredients,  plus the salt,  until smooth.

Place the cruciferous veggies, shallots and dried fruit in a large bowl, pour over the prepared dressing and toss until well coated. Taste and adjust for salt/acidity/sweetness by adding more salt, vinegar and/or honey.

Toss in the pepitas and coconut chips. Drizzle with balsamic vinegar glaze.

Serve and enjoy.

The beauty of this salad is that it doesn’t have to be consumed right away due to wilting of the greens, but rather, it maintains the crunch  and can be prepared ahead of time, and even be refrigerated, covered, and enjoyed the next day.