Another round of the Next Level Detox is officially in the books, and I’m feeling more energized than ever! There’s something about resetting, deeply nourishing, and flooding the body with real, high-vibe, alkaline foods that reignites my love for the sacred pillars of my healthy lifestyle—especially a leafy green salad.
I know not everyone feels this way. Especially this time of year, when it’s cold outside, cozy foods call our name, and salads tend to take a backseat. Are you feeling this way? Or do you ever get bored with your go-to salad?
Say hello to my Big Ass Salad with Sunflower Lemongrass Dressing!
This isn’t just any salad. It’s bursting with color—and that color isn’t just pretty, it’s powerful. Those vibrant greens, reds, and purples are loaded with fiber and plant compounds that feed the good bugs in your gut, support your microbiome, and keep digestion humming. Plus, when your meals are this fresh, flavorful, and nutrient-packed, your body feels the difference.
If you need some salad inspiration, I hope you’ll give this one a try. And if you missed the January Next Level Detox, don’t worry—we’re doing it again in March! Registration is open now, so if you’re ready for a full-body refresh, sign up here to join us.
Now, let’s get into the recipe…
Enjoy!
BIG ASS SALAD WITH SUNFLOWER LEMONGRASS DRESSING
Equipment: Vita Mix Blender
Ingredients for Salad
2 cups arugula
2 cups Lacinato kale, finely chopped
1/2 cup red cabbage, finely chopped
1/4 cup english cucumber
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ cup radishes, sliced
1/2 avocado
Big handful of sprouts or micro greens
1 cup black forbidden rice, cooked according to package OR your favorite animal protein*
Ingredients for Sunflower Lemongrass Dressing
1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds, soaked for 2-4 hours and drained
1 clove garlic
1 TB lemongrass, rough chopped
2 tsp tamari
1/2 freshly squeezed lemon
1/4 cup plus 2 TB water, to thin
1/4 cup olive oil
Pinch of sea salt to taste
Directions
In a large bowl, combine arugula, kale, and cabbage. Toss with some olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. Set aside while preparing the rest of the salad.
For the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a high speed blender, until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the salad with the remaining salad ingredients and drizzle some dressing on top.
*If you’re minding food combining guidelines, skip the forbidden rice / animal protein. Swap it out with some sea veggies and/or pumpkin seeds.