Spring is on the way (we hope)!  This chopped salad is bright, light and full of fresh flavours that are invigorating for this time of year.  We came up with this recipe to serve with our Eggplant Meatball recipe, served together makes a delicious Mediterranean style meal.   This recipe is free of nightshade vegetables, since many of our clients limit or avoid these in their diet to reduce inflammation.  But, if that’s not an issue for you, feel free to switch up the recipe and add in roasted red peppers, tomatoes or even roasted eggplant.  If you’re keeping your sugar intake low, then this vinaigrette is perfect!  It’s so tasty just the way it is.

Chopped Mediterranean Salad

1 bunch of romaine, rinsed off and dried well, chopped (or you can use 1 box of romaine hearts)
1 English cucumber, chopped in cubes

3 carrots, diced in 1/2 inch pieces
1 tsp sumac
1/2 tsp garlic powder
drizzle of extra virgin olive oil
sea salt and pepper

3 beets, peeled
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
sea salt and pepper

1/2 cup parsley, chopped
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1/2 cup kalamata olive, sliced (pits removed)

Vinaigrette:
1 lemon, juiced (about ¼ cup)
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ a small garlic, minced
½ tsp dried oregano
Sea salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Peel the beets and slice into small cubes.
2. Rinse off the carrots well.  If they are organic, we like to leave the skins on (but you can peel them if you prefer).  Slice the carrots into approximately 1/2 inch pieces.
3. Place the beets in a small pot and add about 1/4 cup of water.  Steam for around 10 minutes, until the beets are tender.  Then submerge in cold water to cool down.
4. Spread the carrots out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and toss with sumac, garlic powder, sea salt, pepper and olive oil.  Roast at 375 for 25-30 minutes, until cooked.
5. Meanwhile, rinse and dry the romaine well.  Chop the romaine and the cucumber.
6. Chop the cilantro and parsley.
7. Make the vinaigrette.
8. Once the beets are cool, season with apple cider vinegar, sea salt and pepper.
9. Let the carrots cool down a bit once taking them out of the oven.
10. Toss together all of the veggies with the vinaigrette.

written by Sarah Grossman