Rejuvenating Pomegranate + Fennel Salad

I’m all about simple and easy to make meals. Salads are a great way to experiment with fruits, greens, and vegetables that you haven’t tried before or eaten for a while. I have my go-to salads but I like to update them with seasonal plants or whatever leftovers I happen to have in my fridge. I don’t usually add fruits to my meals since they should be eaten on an empty stomach to avoid uncomfortable feeling. Pomegranate seeds don’t seem to cause any digestive issues and thus, I decided enjoy leftover seeds in my salad. The dressing is super quick and easy to make too. I don’t use much vegetable oils. If I do, I use unrefined, raw and cold-pressed oils, either organic virgin coconut oil or cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil (always in a dark glass bottle!). This salad is super hydrating, and will nourish you and boost your outer glow by providing plenty of minerals and antioxidants. So here’s the power foods I used:

Fennel 

The crunchy bulb provides tons of health benefits. Fennel can help with constipation. It contains immunity-boosting vitamin C, and minerals vital to bone health: potassium, magnesium, and calcium. 

Pomegranate

Pomegranate seeds are sweet and juicy, and make a beautiful addition to salads. They are full of antioxidants, and collagen repairing vitamin C and vitamin E, and several minerals, such as calcium and iron. 

Red Beets 

Beets contain high amounts of nitrates that can help to lower blood pressure, and improve athletic performance. 

Sprouts 

Sprouts are among the most beneficial foods we can eat. In the sprouting phase much of the stored nutrition starts to multiply. I like to grow my own sprouts in a glass sprouting jar which I bought from a health food store. My favorites are alfalfa sprouts. If I haven’t remembered to prepare them in advance (like this week), I buy them. This time I chose arugula and pea sprouts. 

Apple Cider Vinegar 

Organic raw apple cider vinegar has several health benefits. It’s cleansing and supports the formation of friendly bacteria in our system, and can help to kill harmful bacteria. 

Pumpkin, and Sunflower Seeds

Pumpkin seeds contain several beauty minerals, like zinc, and calcium, as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Sunflower seeds have vitamin B, including biotin, an essential nutrient for strong hair. So if you want to have gorgeous hair and healthy nails, add these vitamin and mineral rich seeds to your meals. 

Rejuvenating Pomegranate + Fennel Salad

SERVES 1

FOR THE SALAD 

Kale 

Arugula sprouts 

Green pea sprouts

1/2 fennel bulb

1 small red beet

1 small carrot

Seeds from a 1/2 pomegranate 

1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds

1 tablespoon sunflower seeds

FOR THE DRESSING

1 tablespoon raw apple cider vinegar 

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 

Splash of (filtered) water 

1 teaspoon squeezed lemon or lime 

Himalayan sea salt to taste (optional) 

1. Wash produce well.

2. Place greens in a large bowl.

3. Grate the carrot, and beet. Slice the fennel.

4. Top the salad with the beet, carrot, fennel, and pomegranate seeds.

5. Make the dressing: mix all ingredients together in a small cup.

6. Sprinkle the pumpkin, and sunflower seeds over the top of the bowl. Pour the dressing over the salad.

To make this a filling lunch top the salad with an extra protein. 

Beautiful Foods Equal Beautiful You!