A salad, Really? Yes, Really! This was one of my favorite meals while on the raw vegan diet. It was like an explosion of flavor in my mouth, yes, even without the salt and acid. I made this on my fourth day, and it was fulfilling in ways I didn’t know I could be fulfilled by a salad. It was extremely satisfying and I wasn’t even able to eat the entire salad, which is not something that usual happens. This salad is very similar to salads that I generally make for myself, but I added more vegetables for substance. And like I said, I originally didn’t have any oil, salt or acid in the dressing, but I included salt and acid to this recipe. What I used instead of salt and acid for the dressing was 1 whole kumato tomato. This was my way of incorporating acid, without adding actual acid. It definitely helped.

Mixed Vegetable Salad with Sunflower Seed and Cilantro Dressing

2 cups Kale*

1/4 cup shredded carrots

1/4 cup shredded beets

1/3 cup tomatoes, cut in half

1/2 cup cucumbers cut in half

1/3 cup zucchini, medium dice

1/3 cup broccoli, chopped

1/2 cup raw, sprouted mung beans

1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced

1/2 avocado

* I massaged and marinated the kale in 2 tablespoons dressing for about 15 minutes before mixing everything together, to help break down the fibers and to support smooth digestion. I recommend letting it sit longer if possible.

Sunflower Seed and Cilantro Dressing

Makes 2 cups

1/4 cup sunflower seed ‘cream’ (see recipe)

1/2 cup chopped cilantro, with stem (you can substitute with parsley)

1 cup water

1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

3 tablespoons lemon juice

2 cloves garlic

3/4 teaspoons salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/8 teaspoon cayenne

Put sunflower seeds, cilantro, water, apple cider vinegar, garlic, salt pepper and cayenne in a blender and blend until smooth. Balance flavor with salt and lemon. Chop all the vegetables, put it in a large mixing bowl. Add about 1/4 cup dressing and mix really well. Add a little more if necessary, and Enjoy! You can always substitute these vegetables with vegetables you prefer to eat. #eattherainbow