3-Salads [with Just 5 Ingredients!] (video)

#CleanAndGreenWithDani is in full effect my friends!  But before I jump into this weeks recipe-video, let’s recap what we’ve covered so far, shall we?

I’ve tackled the basics of green juice and some of my favorite ways to make them.  The green juices have really been growing on me and my hubby but I do find that we make green smoothies more often simply because it’s a little easier to do (in regards to clean up!).

This is  my go-to formula for making smoothies, it’s a great base and makes for a yummy smoothie.  However,  these smoothie combos are all packed with GREENS so they have been more my speed lately, since I have been really focusing on getting my greens in this month.

Which brings me to salads.

I love making salads like this for the week because it makes lunch time so easy (and delicious)!

These recipes are some of my favorite, super-simple salads ideas.  Each of these salads has only 5 ingredients (plus each one has it’s own yummy dressing which are all just versions of my go-to vinaigrette).

1.  Kale + Cabbage Crunch

This simple salad combines the heartiness of kale and the crunchiness of red cabbage and carrots to create a super delicious, nutritious, and satisfying salad.  Combine that with rich and creamy avocado and tart and crispy green apples and you will quickly understand why this is one of my personal favorites!

Salad:

• 4 cups of kale leaves, stemmed cut into ribbons
• 3 cups red cabbage, thinly sliced
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 1 green apple, chopped
• 1 avocado, diced

Dressing:

• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1 tsp. honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Salad:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

Dressing:

Combine all ingredients in a small glass bowl and whisk until well incorporated.

Assembly:

Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss. Enjoy!!

Makes 4 servings (2.5 cups each)

Calories: 214; Total Fat: 13.4g; Saturated Fat: 1.8g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Carbohydrate: 26.5g; Dietary Fiber: 7.2g; Sugars: 10.5g; Protein: 4.4g

2.  Chunky Greek Salad

Who says you need lettuce to make an insanely delicious, veggie-packed salad?!  Not me;).  Simply chop up some of veggies and combine with olives and garbanzo beans and you’ve got yourself a super fresh and yummy salad ready to go.  I love eating this salad with grilled chicken or even canned sardines (I just love sardines!).

Salad:

• 4 mini Persian cucumbers, chopped
• 1-cup baby tomatoes, quartered
• 1-cup garbanzo beans
• ¼ cup red onion, diced
• ½ cup kalamata olive, halved

Dressing:

• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• Salt and pepper to taste

Salad:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

Dressing:

Combine all ingredients in a small glass bowl and whisk together.

Assembly:

Pour dressing over salad and gently toss. Adjust seasonings and enjoy!

Makes 4.5 cups (2-4 servings)

Nutrients per 1 cup + 2 tbsp.: Calories: 188; Total Fat: 11.1g; Saturated Fat: 1.1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Carbohydrate: 20.6g; Dietary Fiber: 3.4g; Sugars: 4.6g; Protein: 4g

3.  Quinoa + Black Bean Salad

And this guy is perfect for those days when you want something Clean & Delicious, but just have no desire for a traditional salad (yes! it happens to us all, doesn’t it?).  Protein packed quinoa and black beans mixed with bell pepper, scallion and avocado make for a beautiful, gluten-free salad that is light and delicious.

Salad:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 cup black beans
• 1 cup red bell pepper, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/3 cup sliced scallions

Dressing:

• 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup fresh squeezed limejuice
• 1 clove garlic, crushed
• 1/8^th tsp. ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Salad:

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

Dressing:

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until well combined.

Assembly:

Pour dressing over the salad an gently toss. Adjust seasonings and enjoy!

Makes 4.5 cups (2-4 servings)

Nutrients per 1cup + 2 tbsp.: Calories: 265; Total Fat: 13.9g; Saturated Fat: 1.8g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Carbohydrate: 31.9g; Dietary Fiber: 6.9g; Sugars: 1.5g; Protein: 7.3g

So now I want to hear from you!

Which of these salads do you think you may try first?  And/or what are some of YOUR favorite super-simple salads to make for lunch during the week?  I would love to hear from you down in the comments below!

*If you guys want to watch the step-by-step PLUS hear some extra tips and tricks, be sure to watch the video below!*