Detox Salad

Today's recipe I love so much, I would marry it if Woman and Food were allowed to mate!  It's the perfect summer meal... and although it's not "technically" summer yet, it's getting close.  The last two weeks were full of 70 and 80 degree days, so I tricked my tastebuds into thinking it was summer, and gave this tasty treat a try.

Courtesy: Iowa Girl Eats

Don't you love how it's called an "Inner Goddess Salad?"  I made Jason eat it, but we had to change the name to something so he would feel a bit more "manly."

The reason it's called a detox salad is because every ingredient does something to help your body flush out any toxins.

• Kale has a high concentration of vitamins A, C and K (all antioxidant vitamins).  It's also high in Chlorophyll which naturally removes chemical toxins from the body.
• Spinach is high in Vitamin A which keeps the skin soft and bright.
• Cabbage activates liver enzymes that break down and get rid of body toxins.  It also helps regulate the digestive system.
• Chopped Almonds are the best source of Vitamin E which nourishes and protects the skin
• Strawberries help deminish the negative effects of a high-fat meal.
• Carrots are high in vitimins good for the skin and eyes.
• Blueberries have high levels of antioxidants.
• Cucumbers help support healthy hair, skin and nails.
• Raspberries protect the skin from radicals.
• Oil-Based dressings are low in fat-- and you really don't have to use that much because of all of the flavor in this salad.  I used a Raspberry-Walnut vinaigrette  which brought out the sweetness in the fruit-- but a balsamic would also be great on this.

I hope you give this salad a try, you won't be sorry!