Zesty Salad Dressing

Some have been asking me for this salad recipe. Sorry it has taken so long to post but it's really nothing special. Just stuff I've thrown together in the right ratios I suppose. But I guess the thing that people seem to like the most is the dressing. This recipe is good for a huge salad and maybe even some to save for later depending on how much you use. I like to throw it over some fresh greens, tons of sprouts, a little tomato, avocado and some cooked or sprouted quinoa (since it is a complete protein.) Use whatever veggies you have lying around or whatever is in season. I wasn't much of a salad eater until I found a dairy-free dressing that tasted good. I guess it's a slight variation off of my friend Kira's dressing that she posted on our vegan blog a while back with a little extra zing. But that recipe was a great place for me to start. Feel free to vary it up and try a little more or less of certain ingredients.

1 Cup Olive Oil

1/2 Flaxseed Oil (for a good dose of omegas)

10 cloves Raw Garlic (or more if you like it spicier)

3 TBSP Apple Cider Vinegar

1/4 C Braggs Amino Acids

1 1/2 TBSP of your favorite Mustard (I like spicy brown)

1/4 of a small Sweet Onion

1/2 inch Ginger Root

1/4 Cup Kosher Soy Bacon Bits (for their smoky flavor, I find these at Good Earth in the bulk aisle)

Throw all ingredients into a vitamix or other good blender and blend till creamy. Toss into your salad or over some rice or anything. This dressing keeps well too, so double the recipe and store some for the next day. Enjoy!

Cranberry Vinaigrette

Until my sister introduced this recipe to me, I wasn't a big fan of vinaigrette dressings. This recipe, however, is more sweet than vinegar, thick and creamy. Served over spinach, candied pecans, cucumbers and feta cheese it was almost like eating dessert! It makes about a quart and stores well in the fridge.

Ingredients:
1 Cup granulated sugar
2 Teaspoons dry mustard
1 Teaspoon salt
2/3 Cup vinegar (I used white vinegar, but use what you prefer!)
2 heaping Tablespoons Mayonnaise
2/3 Cup Craisins
1 1/2 - 2 Cups vegetable oil (I used 1 1/2)

Directions:
Combine all ingredients, except oil, in a blender or food processor and process until well combined. With power on medium, add the oil in a slow and steady stream until the dressing emulsifies.
Store refrigerated in an airtight container.