
For the past few weeks leading up to my juice cleanse I’ve been going to my local Whole Foods and making this salad for my lunch at work. I learned to bring my own cucumber, walnuts and dressing in my purse so I can get my salad for about 3 bucks. Over the years, I’ve learned what weighs down a salad bar salad. Stay away from cherry tomatoes, cucumbers (WHY DO THEY CUT THEM SO BIG?) hardboiled eggs, chicken & beans. They’ll tip the scales for sure.

I like to call this salad The Reset Button Salad because it’s filled with goodness. The biggest impact comes from the red quinoa. It’s totally nutty and makes it more of a meal. I’m less inclined to want a side of bread or (cough cough) french fries as a result. Just this salad has the tendency to fill me up! The shredded carrots & beets add a nice crunch while the green onions give it a good onion flavoring without overpowering. For extra oomph, I added toasted walnuts (because I adore them!) and some crumbled feta for contrast. Arugula…well…you know me… My arugula obsession continues, but I find that it works really well here. It’s the type of salad that will help RESET your brain into remembering that healthy food can be so satisfying. And if you have an avocado just lying around, I promise that it would be a great addition to! Omit the feta and it’s a vegan dream.
Later this week, I’m gonna bring you a foccacia recipe which will probably spur you to eat this salad even more. Cuz, BALANCE.
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