A wise woman once said that a salad a day keeps a person on the path of wellness. And while that’s surely true, the healthy salad path can start to feel more like a tiresome rut when the same old lettuce and tomato salad greets you on the table day after day (...after day). The only way to joyfully embrace the salad path over the long haul is to keep things deliciously interesting.

This refreshing summer salad recipe does just that, with a choice of tender, gut-healthy greens and a wide selection of topping suggestions you can change up as the mood strikes—like sweet, juicy berries rich with vitamins and anthocyanins; zesty red onions for allicin, quercetin, prebiotics, and chromium; nuts for healthy fats, protein, and prebiotics; and feta cheese for additional protein and a zingy bite.

Top that all off with a yummy sweet and tangy acai berry vinaigrette that enhances the “good for you” factor of this dish rather than undermines it—like so many commercial dressings do.

Organic acai powder is a genuine, low-glycemic superfood and apple cider vinegar is great for virtually every system in your body. Olive oil brings healthy fat to the mix, and with only a touch of natural sweetness from agave or maple syrup, there’s no “sugar spike” to worry about. Finally, savory mustard contributes iron and selenium, fragrant cinnamon adds beneficial antioxidants, and black pepper helps you absorb all that healthy goodness.

Not only is this fun salad easy to make, but the dressing keeps for weeks in the fridge so you don’t have to make a new batch every time you want to enjoy it. Feel free to experiment with toppings and add additional veggies or fruits you might have around, and don’t be surprised if salad suddenly becomes the most interesting treat on your table!

Ingredients:

Salad:

• Mixed greens of your choosing (such as tender greens, spring mix, spinach, or a combination)
• Suggested toppings: Fresh berries (like strawberries or blueberries), slivered almonds or walnuts, sliced red onions, cucumbers, and feta cheese (vegan or regular)

Dressing:

• ⅔ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Sari Foods Organic Acai Powder
• 2 tablespoons agave nectar, or maple syrup
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  

Directions:

Combine all the dressing ingredients in a blender, and blend on high to emulsify. Alternatively, whisk vigorously by hand in a medium bowl. Mix your salad and toppings together in a large bowl, toss with dressing, and enjoy!

Dressing will keep for several weeks, covered and refrigerated.