One of my favourite things to do after visiting Whole Foods is to re-create salad bar foods or specialty products at home for much less money. Or at least, that’s my good intention until I get home and I can’t remember the ingredient list!
Not last night. :)
Thanks Eric!
After we dined – Eric on pizza and me on the hot & cold salad bar – I picked up the ingredients for the Detox Salad and vowed to make it when I got home that night. I was literally bursting with energy after eating this salad and I knew that it would make a really great “feel-good”, make-ahead lunch.
Whole Foods salads typically have short ingredient lists as well as vegan and wheat-free options. They are the perfect inspiration for salads at home when you’re getting bored of the usual lettuce and vegetable routine.
But why call it a detox salad?
World’s Healthiest Foods reports that cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli, kale, cauliflower, cabbage, watercress, and mustard greens) are said to be detoxifying because they provide support for the immune system, inflammatory system, hormonal system, detoxification system, and antioxidant system (source). These vegetables contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals as well as phytonutrients. For example, one such group of phytonutrients found in cruciferous vegetables are called glucosinolates. Glucosinolates are thought to have anti-cancer properties in a variety of research studies (source). World’s healthiest Foods also suggest consuming 3 servings of cruciferous vegetables each week for maximum benefit.
I couldn’t remember the last time I had raw broccoli or cauliflower! They are definitely not my favourite vegetables, but they were great in this salad.
When re-creating something at home, keep in mind that ingredients are listed in order of weight. This will help guide you with how much of each you should use.
I started with the primary ingredients- broccoli and cauliflower. I used a head of cauliflower and two heads (which was one ‘bunch’) of broccoli. I actually ended up having a bit more cauliflower than broccoli, but it wasn’t a big deal.
I usually don’t like eating big hunks of raw broccoli and cauliflower, but it was great shredded up. I processed it in the food processor until fine. If you don’t have a processor, feel free to get your chop on!
Up next on the ingredient list: Carrots.
I plucked these babies straight from the garden. I think they are the last ones….sniff, sniff. :\
I processed the carrots just like the broccoli and cauliflower and used about 2.5 cups of shredded carrots. I added it a cup at a time until it looked like enough!
Then came the sunflower seeds, currants, parsley, and raisins. This is when it really starts to come together. The currants and raisins add a really nice sweetness to the salad and I wouldn’t recommend skipping them.
I couldn’t find kelp granules at Whole Foods (and the worker told me they didn’t have any), so I just used Herbamare since it has kelp in it. Kelp is also said to be detoxifying. I did pick up a bag of whole kelp pieces though. I wonder if I could process this into granules?
I added fresh lemon juice, kosher salt, black pepper, and Herbamare all to taste.
I served it with a drizzle of pure maple syrup to balance out the lemon juice. Yum!
Detox Salad
Vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, soy-free.
Packing a powerhouse of nutrients, this light & energizing salad will have you bursting with energy. It makes a lot so you can enjoy it all week long for easy, energizing lunches. I wouldn’t recommend skipping the currants and raisins as it adds a much needed sweetness to balance out the vegetables and lemon juice. I loved it drizzled with a touch of maple syrup just before serving. Feel free to use any herbs and spices you wish. I also love it with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.
Inspired by Whole Foods
Yield: 10 cups (lots for the whole week!!)
Ingredients:
- 2 heads broccoli (1 bunch), stems removed
- 1 head cauliflower, stems removed
- 2.5 cups shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
- 1 cup currants
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 4-6 tbsp fresh lemon juice, to taste
- kosher salt, pepper to taste (1/4-1/2 tsp salt and lots of pepper)
- kelp granules or Herbamare (optional), to taste
- Pure maple syrup, to drizzle on before serving
1. In a food processor (or chop by hand) process the broccoli (no stems) until fine. Add into large bowl.
2. Now process the cauliflower (no stems) until fine and add into bowl. Do the same with the carrots.
3. Stir in the sunflower seeds, currants, raisins, and parsley. Add lemon juice and seasonings to taste.
4. Drizzle with maple syrup to taste.
Note: I saved the stems for a stir-fry later on in the week.
Enjoyed with Sencha green tea. :)
~~~
Thank you all so much for your comments in my health issues post. I’m still working my way through them and wanted you to know how much I appreciate your support, stories, and experiences. I had my ultrasounds yesterday and I should know my results by Thursday. Today, I meet with the naturopath! Can’t wait to hear what he says.
This sounds AMAZING! Will definitely be trying this!
Thanks so much for posting this! Its one of my favorite salads at Whole foods but was always too intimidated to make it at home by myself.
Yummmm! The detox salad is one of my faves at Whole Foods! I made a re-creation of it too (http://wp.me/pSUCS-2hN) and there’s a picture of the kelp granules I found – they were at my local health food store in big jars – i thought the whole section was spices but I was pleasantly surprised (and completely wowed!) by the number of seaweed products and other herbal remedies there. Maybe we should each whip up a batch of our salads and have a taste-off in WF?? ;)
Yes that is a great idea! :) We need to go SOON!
Whole foods does simple food perfectly. SO much flavor in so little ingredients. Love recreating their salads :)
this looks so good! I love make-for-the-week recipes. My pregnant appetite cannot wait for dinner after work!
Okay seriously we must be on the same page with cruciferous veg or something. I just posted a sort of similar cauliflower salad on my blog yesterday! I love it all small and grain-like. Goes down waaaaay easier.
This salad looks awesome! Heading to the grocery store tonight to gather all ingredients. Thanks for posting. :-)
This looks so amazing!!! I’d love to make this as a side dish for family get togethers!
This looks amazing Angela! I’m so stealing this idea for the broccoli in my fridge. Steaming/roasting is getting old ;)
PS-your carrots are cute :)
Thanks :) I miss them.
i always add this salad to my plate at the WF salad bar, but have never thought to recreate it at home! thanks for breaking it down into such easy steps :)
oh i love the bar at whole foods! This salad sounds so refreshing and nutritional! I love to process raw veggies into small shreds, because they are easier to eat…I’m thinkin’ this salad is right up my alley!! :-)
I should do this too- use store brought salads for inspiration! When Im eating out I will eat salads with ingredients I would never use at home- raw cauliflower/brocolli/squash- I would NEVER do that at home because I would think they at least need to be steamed, but Im proven wrong whenever I buy a delicious salad and all these odd ingredients somehow work and are flavorsome and digestable!
I am so trying this! I did a bit of research and kelp granules are used as a salt substitute, so I might forego the additional salt. I think this would be good with lime juice…possibly grapefruit juice…in place of the lemon.
Hope you get some good news from the doctor!
This sounds like a delicious salad! I eat a huge salad every day for lunch so I will be making this very soon! Do you think it would be enough for five big lunches?
Have fun today with the naturopath; I truly believe that you can cure everything with food/diet.
I think you could get away with 5 lunches….2 cups per day. Then add on whatever snacks you want too!
So delicious-looking and veggie-filled. I definitely want to try this.
Love your new banner!!
Thanks Kerry :)
Heh heh, I love “stealing” the Whole Foods hot bar recipes, too! They’re always made from all “real food” ingredients, so the only challenge at home is nailing those ingredients in the right amounts…
I haven’t seen this at my Whole Foods, but will definitely take your word that it’s great and give it a try! I don’t like raw broccoli or raw cauliflower either, but at a vegan restaurant in downtown Vancouver I tried them processed like this (the cauliflower was called “ryce” and they mixed it with raw sesame seeds) in a “marinated curry bowl” and it was so fantastic that I recreated it at home, too! I guess the secret to making some raw veggies taste good (e.g. kale, cauliflower…) is in adding something acidic (vinegar, lemon juice) to tame their flavour…
Will keep my fingers crossed for you, in regards to the health front! I hope your meeting with the naturopath goes especially well. :) All the best!
mm that sounds delicious! raw curry, who knew?
If this is what detox looks like…sign me up!! ;-)
that looks delicious! copying Whole Foods recipes is genius!! I’m definitely stealing this trick :)
have a great day!!
This looks like a great salad! and a detox is exactly what I need right now! Will definitely be trying this!
Thanks for figuring this recipe out! :D Those of us who don’t have a Whole Foods (let alone their delicious food) we need you! :D
looks amazing angela! i bet if you just sliced up some dried nori {for sushi wrapping} nice and fine it would blend really well with the salad.
It sounds good and it looks good, but everyone around me (including myself) would totally hate me if I ate this! :O
I stole an ingredient list from Whole Foods and made the most amazing soup one time…..nummers! :)
such a great idea! i’m taking pics of the labels next time i go to whole foods, too. :)
Keep us posted on the naturopath. I found one nearby but it’s outrageously expensive. I’m seeing a yoga therapist tonight which is supposed to help with the anxiety part of IBS. Like you said, I’m ready to try anything too.
I hope you find one who is more affordable. They are quite expensive and my poor wallet is going to be sucked dry! But if it gives me relief, I think it will be worth it.
A yoga therapist sounds cool!
I sadly live in a city with no Whole Foods :( We are getting a Trader Joe’s in a few months and the whole city is celebrating! I really appreciate you spreading the Whole Foods joy with us sad sad folks who miss out on the first hand goods! This salad is on the ‘to make’ list! I need to do a search but I also love curry lentil salads… just sayin’… :)
With the tea this sounds like a serious detox dish! I don’t remember ever having raw cauliflower so I’m a tad leary of this. I’d definitely try it out though :)
Has a cabbage taste and is so yummy and healthy!
I love whole foods! That’s a great idea to look and see what the ingredients are and re-create it at home.
Oh My Glows, this is my favorite salad at WF!!! I love to eat it as a ‘salad topper’ over fresh spinach and romaine.
This might be a silly question, but did you use your food processor’s “S” blad to chop? (Or should I be using a different attachment for veggie chopping?)
Thanks for the recipe!
:D
Yes, I used the regular S-blade! I just pulsed it a bit at a time. :)
This looks delicous , and I agree – one of my favorite things about going to WF salad bar is recreating some of their dishes. How did Eric like this? I wonder if my hubby would be interested in this. Thanks for sharing…your recipes always inspire me to kick up my veggie intake a knotch!
he’s trying it for lunch today…so hopefully he likes it! I think the maple syrup might do the trick :)
This looks so good! Thanks for sharing the recipe! I hope all goes well tonight with the naturopath!
I am totally making this tonight! Last night I made a potato-broccoli salad with red pepper, carrots, and a light dressing. YUM. I can’t wait to taste this and I DO have kelp granules too!
I cannot believe you had this last night from WF, SO DID I! I was just picking up a few things and saw it and knew I had to try it! Thanks for getting a recipe for it!
Great minds think alike ;) I felt so good after eating it…def going to be on regular rotation from now on.
This looks just great, so easy, and really delicious.
I too go to W Foods and see what I can make at home from the food bar!
Keep us posted this week on your updates, thinking of ya. :)
Ang! I wish you could make my office-lunch every day!
Looks tasty and pretty! Good luck with your appt today!
This salad looks so refreshing, I can only imagine how energizing it is! Parsley is a great detoxifier for the liver too. I love copying the whole foods vegan salads. My favorite was a waldorf inspired salad made with wheatberries, quinoa, celery, apples, and raisins and tossed in a light orange juice and olive oil dressing. Yum!
That sounds fantastic! I dont think Ive tried that one.
that sounds like one i just made over the weekend! it was so yummy for lunch at work today :) here’s the recipe i used, but i had to pick between about 4 similar ones i’ve had bookmarked for a while now. i should’ve made this sooner! http://takebackyourtable.com/2012/02/greater-grain-wheat-berries-and-a-recipe-for-sweet-and-tangy-wheat-berry-salad.html
Shelley, do you have more quinoa salads or recipes? Have just started eating quinoa and have made 2 salads with it which I love…Any hints or tips using this great “grain” would be helpful and appreciated!!!
cant wait to hear about your experience with the naturopath! i would love to see one myself. good luck :)
This sounds so refreshing! I can just feel the energy I’d get from it. Great recipe inspiration!
i love the whole foods detox salad! thanks for the recipe
This sounds fantastic! I love that you also try to re-create salads from Whole Foods — I’ve done that many times too, but I think your results look far better than mine did. :)
Also, regarding your tummy troubles, I feel your pain. I’ve had IBS all my life, and it’s no party. I hope the diagnostics and the naturopath are able to figure out what’s up and find a good solution – until then, I’m sending many tummy-soothing thoughts your way!
Mmmm.. that’s one delicious looking salad, albeit it’s detox qualities. WF’s hot and cold bars are so expensive. It’s nice to recreate their recipes at home, without breaking the bank :D
:) YUMMO!! In my raw foods class I did we made a salad like this, but made it curry and extra cumin with plump raisins, but the rest of the ingredients were the same. So good!!!
This is beautiful too – awesome for a potluck type dinner!
It’s incredible to me that you were able to just create your own version of this. It looks AMAZING. I would gladly detox any day if it meant eating things this delicious!
I dislike raw broccoli and cauliflower too. Actually, I’m not a big fan of most raw veggies, come to think of it. The texture of this just looks really fun, though, so I would probably be more enthusiastic about eating this than a honk of broccoli straight off the stalk!
Hey girl! I just love Whole Foods. I haven’t tried this salad before but anything with anti-cancer properties is fabulous in my book. Being a cancer survivor, I try to fuel my body with healthy foods. Although this past weekend I think I may have had a bout with Diverticulitis. I love seeds and nuts so Im hoping it wasnt that. But anyways, I just came back from a MRI for my followup checkup to make sure the c word is still gone. This is the perfect recipe and just what I need today. I feel like you and I are on the save wavelength. You post topics and recipes on days when I need them the most. Thanks for being such an inspiration. My thoughts are with you and I hope your results turn out ok. xxoo
Angela, I’m so happy to hear that your tests came back cancer free. I can imagine something like that would change you in so many ways, including what you eat. I hope you enjoy the salad!
Thanks for your positive thoughts regarding my tests. :)
This looks so good! I love how tiny all the bits are :)
This salad looks really yummy..especially with the maple syrup drizzled atop. Oh and I know this is a tad late, but related to your health post, I have suffered from syptoms similar to yours in the past and I have found that probiotics help tremendously! Maybe you should give it a try? I hope everything goes well today!
Hey Anna, It’s a great suggestion- I started taking probiotics about 6 months ago and I find they do help a lot! I ran out and didn’t take them for a couple weeks and noticed a big difference, for the worse. Im back to taking them daily now :)
Can’t wait to see what the naturopath has to say. I have considered trying to find one for myself because I seem to have issues with various foods and it has been hard to try and pin them all down and I realllllly don’t want to do an elimination diet. Although, I think that’s what they’d tell me to do anyway!
lol…I too am worried I will have to do an elimination diet. eek!
This looks so good and perfect for packing my lunches and dinners at school! I’ll have to give it a try next week!
That salad does sound very refreshing and rejuvenating! I love all of the fresh, whole ingredients. Sounds great. :)
What a delicious way to detox! :)