Raw Tangy Ginger and Cabbage Salad

This raw salad is positively delicious and will leave you feeling more and more rejuvenated with each bite. You can thank all of the powerful phytonutrients included in this medley of veggies and herbs for the positive effect. Here are just some of the benefits you will gain from enjoying the fresh goods in this salad.

Bell Pepper - A great source for fiber which is imperative to maintain the health of your digestive system and prevent constipation while promoting a healthy intestinal balance (1). Bell peppers are also high in vitamin C, a vitamin that has been shown to improve overall health when consumed regularly (2). You will also find antioxidants in all colors of bell peppers (3) and experience the benefits of phenolic acid which reduces inflammation and reduces the likelihood of experiencing cardiac disease (4). Last, bell peppers may be beneficial for people with insulin resistance (5).

Purple Cabbage - An extraordinary antioxidant, even above green cabbage. Purple cabbage significantly reduces gut inflammation (6) and contains heart-healthy antioxidants (7). This cruciferous vegetable also contains several bone-benefiting nutrients, including vitamins C and K, as well as smaller amounts of calcium, manganese, and zinc (8). Amongst all of this, purple cabbage has even been clinically shown to prevent certain types of cancers (9) (10).

Cucumber - This crunchy and refreshing veggie blocks free radicals (11), can support weight loss (12), as well as healthy blood sugar levels (13),

Green Peas - These versatile pulses are a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K, fiber, a nice vegan option for protein (14). Peas can also support blood sugar levels and lower cholesterol (15). If that's not impressive, they have also demonstrated their ability to inhibit the growth of certain tumors (16).

Ginger - This powerful root can improve symptoms associated with joint pain (17), and reduce oxidative stress. It also lessens the potential for weight gain through the improvement of gut health (18), and reduced inflammation (19). Ginger has also been shown to reduce fasting blood sugar (20), making it an exceptional staple for those with diabetes. This sweet and spicy root also significantly accelerates digestive speed, thus health, through its ability to promote stomach emptying (21). Ginger has also been shown to reduce menstrual cramps (22), lower cholesterol (23), and improve memory and reaction time (24).

Raw Tangy Ginger and Cabbage Salad

Diet: vegan, raw, gluten-free, soy-free Prep time: 10 mins

Chill time: 2 hrs Total time: 2 hrs 10 mins Serves: 4

Ingredients

Thai Dressing:

1 cup vegan mayonnaise (I LOVE this one), you can also use 1/2 avocado + 1/4 cup water

1/2 lime, juiced

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

2 Tbsp fresh basil, chopped

2 pitted Medjool dates, chopped

1/2 inch peeled raw ginger root, diced

1/4 tsp salt (more to taste)

1/4 tsp black pepper

Salad:

1/2 purple cabbage, thinly sliced

1 large cucumber, spiralized

1 red bell pepper, julienned

1 cup green peas

1/2 cup chopped cashews (or nuts and seeds of choice, optional)

7 oz chopped romaine (optional)

Instructions

1. Blend all dressing ingredients together in a powerful blender until smooth.

2. In a large bowl, combine the cabbage, cucumber, bell pepper, and green peas. Pour the dressing over these vegetables and toss to coat.

3. Cover. and allow it to sit in the refrigerator for two hours.

4. Serve over romaine lettuce, if desired, and garnish with cashews, a wedge of lime, and any leftover cilantro or basil leaves.