Super Spirulina Green Salad

The always-in-fashion, goes-with-everything meal just got more amazing with this spirulina green salad!

Spirulina is a simple, single-celled form of algae that thrives in warm, alkaline, fresh-water bodies. Spirulina is known to be a nutritional powerhouse, rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and enzymes. This blue-green algae has been used as a high protein source and contains all of the amino acids to help with building muscle, strength, and endurance. It is 65 to 71 percent complete protein with all essential amino acids in perfect balance. Compare this to beef which is only 22 percent protein. Spirulina is also a complete protein superior to all other plant proteins, including legumes. More importantly, the complete proteins are easily absorbed by the body and contain large amounts of chlorophyll.

Spirulina is rich in potassium and also contains calcium, chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc. It’s rich in essential fatty acids and contains vitamins C, D, E, and many of the B vitamins as well. Spirulina can also improve energy levels, build stronger bones, and balance blood sugar, which helps decrease appetite and facilitate fat loss. Spirulina can be added to smoothies and juices or sprinkled on salads.

Yes . . . salads! By simply sprinkling some spirulina on your salad, you can gain all of the above mentioned health benefits. Here is a simple salad packed with nutrients your body will love.

Spirulina Green Salad

Ingredients:

• 4 cups organic spring mix
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 2 cups sunflower sprouts (or any other sprouts)
• 1 cup tomatoes
• 1 cup carrots
• 1 cup zucchini
• 1 cup red peppers
• 2 teaspoons spirulina (or more if you wish)
• ¼ olive oil
• 2 tablespoons coconut vinegar
• 2 teaspoons oregano
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 teaspoon Himalayan sea salt
• 2 tablespoons nuts (almonds or walnuts)
• 2 tablespoons seeds (sunflower or pumpkin seeds)
• 2 tablespoons raisins or dried cranberries

Directions:

To make the dressing, crush the garlic cloves and place them in a glass jar. Add the olive oil, coconut vinegar, oregano, and salt. Place the dressing in the refrigerator to marinate for a couple of hours. This will help infuse the garlic flavor.

Add your mixed greens, spinach, sunflower sprouts (or any other green of your choice) to a large bowl.

Chop the tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, and red peppers, and add them to the large bowl of greens.

Add your nuts and seeds.

Pour the olive oil dressing over your salad and mix well.

Lastly sprinkle the Spirulina on top of your salad for a nutrient packed boost.

Enhance your salad dinner with a side of butternut squash!