Sardinian Tomato and White Bean Salad with Basil (Blue Zone inspired)

This fresh salad is inspired by the long-living ( Blue Zone) families of Sardinia, where beans are a daily staple and herbs like basil grow in every backyard. It’s a perfect no-cook meal or side dish for warmer days—bursting with antioxidants, plant protein, and healthy fats. Enjoy it with a slice of whole-grain bread or over leafy greens for a complete, feel-good meal.

Ingredients:

Serves 4

1 ½ cups cooked white beans (or 1 can cannellini, rinsed and drained)
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or chopped heirloom tomatoes)
¼ cup finely diced red onion
¼ cup chopped fresh basil leaves
1 tablespoon capers or sliced olives (optional, for a briny kick)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice or red wine vinegar
Sea salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, combine the white beans, tomatoes, red onion, and basil. Add the capers or olives if using.

Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice (or vinegar). Gently toss to coat and season to taste with sea salt and black pepper.

Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving to let the flavors come together. Serve at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Pro Tip: This salad gets even better after a few hours in the fridge. Make it ahead and enjoy all week with fresh greens, grilled veggies, or spooned over avocado toast.

Bright and Zesty Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad

Brussels sprouts are a nutrient powerhouse. Packed with fiber, antioxidants, and immune-boosting vitamin C, they help support digestion, promote glowing skin, and keep your energy steady. Adding them to your holiday table is a delicious way to balance heavier dishes with something fresh and vibrant.

This shaved Brussels sprout salad is crunchy, zesty, and full of flavor—a perfect holiday side dish, or light lunch to keep you feeling balanced and nourished. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 cups Brussels sprouts, finely shaved or thinly sliced w/ a mandoline.

1 apple, thinly sliced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work well)

¼ cup dried cranberries

¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts, (optional)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon maple syrup

Salt and pepper to taste

I also love to sprinkle pomegranate seeds on top and shaved pecorino if desired.

Instructions:

Start by preparing the dressing: whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, maple syrup, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

In a large bowl, combine the shaved Brussels sprouts, apple slices, cranberries, and nuts.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat evenly.

Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Pro Tip: For an extra crunch, toast the nuts before adding them.

Spring Clean Reset Salad

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 head Russian red kale, leaves or other mixed greens of choice, chopped

• ½ red bell pepper, cut into matchsticks

• 6 small radishes, thinly sliced

• 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated

• ½ small cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and diced

• 1/2 can of garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

• 1 large golden beet, roasted and chopped

• ½ raw walnut halves, chopped

Lemon-Parsley Dressing:

• ¼ cup + 1 tablespoon avocado oil or olive oil

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (1 large lemon)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• ¼ cup packed fresh parsley leaves

• 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup

• 2 teaspoons stone ground mustard

• A pinch of salt

Prepare the Lemon-Parsley Dressing:

In a small blender or food processor, add all of the ingredients for the dressing and blend until smooth and creamy. If you don’t have a small blender, whisking the ingredients together in a bowl works well, too.

NOTE: Pour the olive oil in slowly as the last ingredient while whisking.

Directions:

1. Wash the kale leaves ( remove stalks) or mixed greens under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel or use a salad spinner. Finely chop or tear the leaves and place in a large serving bowl.

2. Add the remaining ingredients to the serving bowl and add desired amount of dressing. Toss everything together to combine.