Powerhouse Salad

The problem with healthy eating is that I use other holidays as an excuse to eat whatever I want. You see, there was Christmas, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Neil’s birthday, MLK Jr. Day, and just around the corner is Groundhog’s Day, President’s Day, Valentine’s Day, and oh man, soon enough I’m sunk. Honestly, I could justify about every day as a holiday.

If I were to find more recipes that are healthy that I truly, honestly look forward to, I don’t think I would have the “splurge when it’s a holiday” problem. Maybe I’d even choose one of those healthy recipes on a holiday. Well, I think I’ve found one. As mentioned before on this blog, I like a salad with crunch. Pile on the veggies, pile on the toppings, pile on the love. The more the merrier. This salad is right up my alley.

Maybe I’m late to the party, but why haven’t I yet discovered pomegranate seeds? I could finish these things straight out of the package in one sitting. They’re sweet, crunchy, and packed with good antioxidant stuff (or so I hear). Trader Joes sells them in the produce section. These colorful gems add a nice sweetness to this salad that pairs well with the citrus dressing.

Perhaps it’s not so bad to think of every day as a holiday. Each day is precious after all, and in my book, worth celebrating. I’m going to celebrate today by eating a bowl of this delicious salad, and hopefully won’t feel as guilty tomorrow!

Powerhouse Salad

Prep Time: 30 min. Cook Time: 0 min.

For the Salad:

1 bunch lacianto (dinosaur) kale, destalked and cut in thin strips

1 lb. brussels sprouts, finely chopped

1 carrot, cut into matchsticks

6 pieces crispy bacon, chopped

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

For the Dressing:

1 lemon, juiced

1 orange, juiced

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

Combine all salad ingredients in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk all ingredients of the dressing together. Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss until salad is coated in dressing.

Serves 8