Raw Power Salad
You know those weeks where you feel like every day is just another test of your patience, another drill in perseverance, another lesson in learning to stay calm and keep your cool?
That was last week for me. To a T. I’ll spare you the details and just leave it at Mega Downer.
I’ll be the first to admit that when the going gets tough, I’m not that glass-half-full person that pulls up their bootstraps and faces the day with a smile no matter what. Frankly, those people kind of irritate me. It’s because I wish I were more like them. It irks me that glass-half-fullness doesn’t come easily to me, that I’m naturally inclined to have a more realistic (read: empty glass) outlook when life gets a little rough.
Last week got in my face in a big way. In some respects, my active mind got the best of me…but it also raised important questions that I’ve been needing to answer for a long time. I did some serious thinking, nail biting, and talking with others. I don’t have all the answers, but I definitely feel like I’m on a better track this week. More importantly, I’m okay with not having all the answers right now.
Someday, when this weird but really kind of wonderful stage of life is behind me, maybe I’ll fill you in on the details of what’s been going on. For now, though, I’m good with just knowing you’re here reading every week and that we can share some great food together.
When I find myself doing serious thinking, I almost always end up doing some serious cooking, too. In the midst of last week’s roller coaster, I chopped to my heart’s content and ate tons of salad. It’s what I do when I’m nervous and wired.
Through the cooking comes peace, clarity of mind, and the small but comforting promise that everything will be okay. Food speaks to me in subtle ways that make life more bearable, even when it seems like it’s two inches away from falling apart.
I’m planning to make more of this salad this week to keep me fueled and nourished as I make positive strides in the right direction. I call it “Power Salad” because that’s literally how you feel after you eat it: strong, empowered, and super duper healthy.
My dad knew that I was having a tough time last week, so he gave me a little something to cheer me up. It’s a magnet that reads:
“Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” (Mary Anne Radmacher)
I’m going to keep it at my desk as a reminder to live my days as the courageous person I know I can be. And although I may not succeed every time, I will try and try again. I will remind myself that life is not about getting from Point A to Point B as fast as possible. It’s not about racing through the day-to-day in the fleeting pursuit of greener grass.
It’s about finding joy in the journey and hope in life’s quiet promises. I will remind myself that peace is not the absence of conflict, but rather the presence of joy that flows from within despite my circumstances.
It takes a courageous heart to hold on to peace. And an even more courageous one to say this: I’m up for the challenge.
Raw Power Salad
Serves 3-43 cups finely chopped kale (stems removed and discarded)
1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
2 medium carrots, peeled and shredded
1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallions
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons raw sesame seeds
2-3 pitted Medjool dates, chopped
2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon Grade B maple syrup or honey
1 tablespoon finely grated ginger root
Sea salt, to tasteIn a large mixing bowl, combine the kale, broccoli, carrots, bell pepper, scallions, parsley, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and dates.
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, and ginger to combine. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Season to taste with salt. Let salad stand at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving.
This looks delicious! I just used the rest of my kale yesterday, but I am definitely going to make this when I get some more!
Can’t wait to try this – sounds delish!!
Just saw chopped bagged kale at Walmart the other day. It’s definitely becoming more mainstream. I wish my family didn’t rebel against it. I’m thinking of chopping it and adding it to regular salad to try to get them more interested in trying it again.
You have such a great attitude. I’m inspired reading your posts. My life has been rather stressful too lately and many things hard to handle. I love your quote. Thanks for sharing!
Love the quote – I needed that today.
Thank you for today’s post! I have been in need of reminding of exactly this. I have been struggling with a lot this year too, and it’s always nice to know you’re not alone. It’s even nicer to know that someone out there understands and supports you with their positive words and ideas! Thank you, Hallie! I hope today is a better day for us all!!!
Jess =)
hey wait – i’m having the same kind of week……i too find comfort in the kitchen…..and creating a fuel of sorts when the body feels puny….and dang if that quote didn’t show up on my page earlier this week……..that’s enough signs for me – i’m making it tonite. Plow on through……..Feel better. and thank you.
Susan: Thank you! A positive attitude goes a long way.
Joy: Glad you got a little something you needed. :)
Jess: Thanks! Reading your comment just reminded me of how big this community is and how we all can be there for each other when we struggle. Today is definitely a better day for me!
Karen: Enjoy the fuel! :)
Hallie, what a great quote that is. I’m sorry to hear that things were going poorly last week–and glad that you are still up for the challenge and forging ahead this week! :)
This is SO much my kind of salad! I make one very similar to this (even when I’m feeling really great about life–ha ha!!). I bet the dates add a great flavor dimension, but for me it’s stevia. Love the combination of veggies here, too! More Power Salad To You!! :D xo
I’m starting a 2 week raw foods “cleanse” today & this salad is perfect for it! Thanks
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve had such a difficult week. The way you deal with tough times really struck a chord with me…who are those glass-half-full people and how can I become one of them?!?! :)
Your salad looks wonderful and like a good way to take care of yourself. Here’s to a better week!
Your Dad sounds like such a great Dad :) I’m glad to hear you’re keeping your chin up and still sharing amazing food with us. Hugs from Canada Hallie. xoxoxo
Ricki: Thanks!!
Janae: How great! I hope you love it. :)
Hannah: Thank you so much!
Maggie: He is a great Dad. :) Thanks for the hugs.
Made this for dinner last night – YUM-Oh my gosh I loved. Our garden is mass producing Kale right now, so this was perfect!
Thanks so much for this recipe! It looks great. I love your Dad’s quote…He must be a great person. My Dad loved quotes too…he is no longer living but one of my favorites is… “You don’t learn anything the second time your kicked by a mule.” So I remember that when I’m tempted to eat something with gluten in it or any of the other things I’m allergic too :) Thanks for your blog!
I am going to have one of these weeks, so I just made the salad to eat for lunch this week. It looks yummy, and I have also discovered that feeding the body good stuff does make a difference in how you can attack everything.
This looks so delicious and nourishing. for some reason I’ve never tried kale but this salad looks and sounds like exactly what I need right now so thank you for making me branch out out. I’m definitely going to the store for kale and making this today!
I made enough of this for two days worth of lunches. It was so good that I ate it all today! LOVED IT!
Just made this for lunch and it is DELISH!!! THANK YOU!!!
Made this dinner to bring to a family dinner for Mother’s Day. Besides looking beautiful, it was delicious! This recipe is a keeper!