HEALTHY TACO SALAD
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Equipment Required: Blender, Oven, Food Processor, Large Bowl
Ingredients:
Salad:
- Romaine lettuce or any leafy green
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Bell peppers (green, yellow, and red), diced
- 1 cup shredded carrot
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Avocado Dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taco Filling:
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 cup mushrooms, roasted
- 1/2 red pepper
- 1/2 Roma tomato
- 1/2 cup corn (add after processing)
- 1 stalk celery, small diced (add after processing)
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a blender, combine the ripe avocado, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Taco Filling:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place mushrooms on a baking tray and roast for 20 minutes until they soften.
- In a food processor, combine walnuts, roasted mushrooms, red pepper, Roma tomato, chili powder, coriander, cumin, salt, and garlic powder. Pulse until the mixture is well mixed but still has texture.
- Stir in the corn and diced celery after processing to add texture.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, sliced red onion, diced bell peppers, shredded carrot, shredded red cabbage, cherry tomatoes, and pumpkin seeds.
- Add the taco filling and toss well to combine.
- Drizzle with the creamy avocado dressing and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this healthy taco salad immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and crisp textures. It’s perfect as a nutritious lunch or dinner that supports overall health with cancer-preventive nutrients.
Nutritional Commentary: This taco salad is packed with a variety of vegetables and spices known for their anti-inflammatory properties and cancer-preventing potential. The inclusion of nuts and seeds adds healthy fats and proteins, making this salad not only delicious but also deeply nourishing.