Raw Brussels Sprout Salad

This salad is a delicious and crunchy blend that is truly satisfying. With spring a week away (although it is still very much winter here in Canada), I am getting ready to move away from the comforting chili’s to refreshing salads. Brussels sprouts have really gotten a bad reputation. From experience, the only problem Ive noticed time and time again is the wrong cooking technique. Over cooking (especially steaming) gives a mushy texture along with an off smell. To avoid this mishap all together I suggest eating them raw! Raw brussels sprouts have become increasingly popular as a salad addition. They add crunch, flavour and lots of health benefits. Although I had this meal for dinner, I doubled up on the ingredients to make a salad for lunch the following day. Working full time makes healthy eating a secondary priority but making dinners that can turn into tomorrows lunch is a great way to stay on track (more tips on this later…). Salads for lunch with a protein source is key to keeping energized and avoiding a post lunch crash. This salad is quick to prepare and can be a great base for more added ingredients. I added chick peas and a hard boiled egg for extra protein but grilled chicken, salmon, tuna, or even steak are great options. If using beans from a can please rinse very well!

Serves 1 or 2

Ingredients:

• 20 brussels sprouts
• 1/2 cup broccoli
• 5 sweet peppers
• romaine leaves
• 1/2 cup chick peas
• 5 cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup roasted almonds
• 1/4 cup good quality extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard
• 1 teaspoon maple syup
• 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
• 1 or 2 hard boiled eggs (or protein of choice)
• pinch sea salt
• pinch pepper

Directions:

1. Wash and chop romaine, brussels sprouts, peppers and broccoli

2. Wash chick peas carefully (till no foaminess remains)

3. Add tomatoes, almonds and protein source of choice

3. With a fork or whisk mix lemon juice, mustard, maple syrup, salt and pepper. While whisking, slowly add the olive oil until mixture becomes thick

4. Toss and enjoy!