The Big Vegan Salad
I don’t know if you watched Seinfeld, I was just a kid myself when they were actually airing new episodes, but they had this running joke about “the big salad”. If it was “the big salad”, it totally counted as a meal. I really have no idea what was in their pretend salad, but I’m guessing it at least had heaps of shredded cheese, so here’s the the big vegan salad! Mine is loaded with chopped romaine, cauliflower, carrots, pecans, apples, dried cranberries, and spicy gingered chickpeas.
The husband used the last of the salad dressing and I knew if I got up from the table for long enough to whip up even the simplest oil and vinegar combination the boys would be done eating, so I just left it naked. It was delicious- so full of life and energy! I love ginger chickpeas because they have so much flavor, but don’t completely take over the dish. I found these in packets at Costco (I’ve also seen them at Whole Foods), but I’m sure you could find a recipe online if you’re working from your own pantry.
The best thing about the big salad is you can really make sure none of your produce goes to waste by tossing together everything in the fridge that doesn’t have another predetermined purpose. They’re quick, filling, and I don’t know about you, but I always feel amazing after eating a giant, fresh, mostly raw salad! So don’t be ashamed to be one of those salad-loving-vegans! Not too many other meals can boast so much color and nutritional diversity.
What’s in your dream “big salad”?
 | |
 | |
I Eat Trees is a blog featuring my adventures in all things vegan. My favorite recipes, snack food finds, and restaurant trials are all on the menu so enjoy!
I am (was) a huge fan of Seinfeld, so I definitely appreciate the big salad reference. Your version looks delicious! Ginger chickpeas seem like an awesome addition too.
Phew, I thought I’d lose everyone there.
I love big salads! Such a great way to get in hearty veggies. My favorite salad usually includes collards or kale, beans, quinoa and lots of yummy chopped veggies. I like salads with a kick and usually add cayenne pepper. Mmm Mmm.
Mmmm… kale….
Big salads are such a good way to get chlorophyll to the body! This recipe looks fantastic! I like having “cooked” salads on occasion.
Thanks!
Oooh, yum! Gingered chickpeas sound AMAZING!
They really are great! They go with so many different types of cuisine!
That looks great. Ginger chickpeas sound lovely. I’ll keep an eye out for some or a recipe. My dream salad is a mound of greens topped with avocado, corn, hummus, and tomatoes with a little salt and pepper.
Yum! I’ll take one of those too!
My dream salad is one someone else makes. I like a good one with lots of greens, sprouts, and possibly some sauerkraut. With a tahini dressing would be nice. Yum.
Mmm.. tahini dressing!
I was talking to my hubs about chickpeas in salads. He simply won’t have them unless it is hummus. So sad…
My dream salad would be a vegan cobb salad. I need to try making one SOON!
BTW, you are a posting fiend!
So sad!!
Hehe, I’m a fiend!
I am one of those “salad” eating vegans were if there is not something on a menu i’ll eat, i go with a bland salad. At home, i make awesome salads from spinach, avocado, tofu, peanut butter, and chickpeas. Sounds weird with the peanut butter but somehow, peanut butter and spinach click with me. Don’t know why.
Peanut butter can’t go wrong!
Each day at lunch I eat a salad so big and full of veggies that I have to put it in a mixing bowl!
Yum!
Hmmm – my favorite salad lately is greens, avocado, dulse flakes, chopped cilantro, hemp seeds, lime juice and macadamia oil. I can’t seem to tire of it and move on to another one. BTW, I totally understand the not being able to get up from the table because you’ll completely miss dinner thing.
Yum!!