Crunchy Detox Salad

This Crunchy Detox Salad is a tasty way to kickstart a healthy eating routine. It features tons of colorful veggies and a creamy lemon ginger dressing.

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A owl of crunchy detox salad on a table.

We are huge fans of this crunchy detox salad. Other faves include this Pasta Salad with No Mayo and this Spring Onion Potato Salad recipe. We have a ton of healthy salad recipes at The Honour System so be sure to check them all out.

Why we love this recipe

  • It is perfect for after a period of indulgence or unhealthy eating to reset our eating habits and reintroduce healthier options. The human body has its own efficient detoxification system, and this salad is really intended as a nice kickstart.
  • This salad has a ton of fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, and even a good portion of protein. It ticks a lot of healthy boxes and can aid in the body’s natural detoxification process.
  • This recipe is naturally vegan and gluten-free. Bonus!
Overhead image of a bowl of crunchy detox salad.

Ingredients 

For the salad

  • chopped vegetables – use a variety of your favorite, in-season vegetables. You can also substitute a pre-made slaw mix instead of chopping the veggies yourself. It’s a bit of a cheat but such a timesaver. We like an organic broccoli slaw mix that has red cabbage, shaved brussels sprouts, carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli.
  • red onion – we prefer red onions in a salad as they are a bit milder and sweeter than white onions.
  • fresh cilantro – this fresh herb may aid digestion and support a healthy gut. A well-functioning digestive system is essential for the body’s natural detoxification processes. You can also use fresh parsley or shredded kale.
  • hemp hearts – hemp seeds add a boost of complete protein.
  • pumpkin seeds – substitute sunflower seeds and spiced walnuts for variety.
  • dates – substitute different dried fruit like raisins, apricots, or dried apples.

For the dressing

  • avocado – this creates a smooth and luscious dressing. You can also substitute olive oil.
  • apple cider vinegar – this promotes digestive health which is perfect for our cleansing salad.
  • fresh citrus juice – we generally use lime and lemon juice for the citrus but oranges would be lovely as well.
  • garlic – fresh garlic is best but granulated garlic will work in a pinch.
  • fresh cilantro – is rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which are all important components of a healthy diet that can contribute to overall well-being.
  • ground ginger – ground ginger contains bioactive compounds that have anti-inflammatory effects. Reducing inflammation can support the body’s ability to heal and recover and is perfect for our detox salad.
  • dates – this adds a hint of sweetness to the dressing. You could substitute a bit of honey instead.
  • fine sea salt + freshly ground black pepper

Equipment

Instructions

Step 1

First, chop your vegetables or give them a quick pulse in a food processor.

Add the veggies to a large bowl.

A bowl of cut vegetables

Step 2

Next, add the cornucopia of goodness!

Hemp seeds, pumpkin seeds, chopped dates, red onions, and fresh cilantro.

A bowl with mixed veggies, nuts, seeds and dates

Step 3

Finally, give it all a good toss. It really is a rainbow!

Step 4

Set the bowl aside and make the dressing by blending the ingredients together in a blender (or use a food processor or immersion blender).

Pour the dressing over the salad and stir it well to coat the ingredients.

Overhead image of ingredients in a bowl.

Expert tip

Remember you can simply use a pre-chopped slaw mix to simplify.

It is a quick shortcut that makes life easy.

A bowl of detox salad.

Recipe variations

  • Make it a Mediterranean style by adding some feta cheese, and olives and substituting fresh dill instead of the cilantro.
  • Add cooked brown rice for added bulk by way of healthy carbohydrates.
  • Give this salad a tropical spin by tossing in chopped pineapple and mango and using fresh mint instead of cilantro. Pour a bit of coconut milk into the dressing!

Serving Suggestions

  • This salad can be substantial enough to serve as a main course. You can add a source of protein like grilled chicken, tofu, quinoa, or chickpeas to make it a complete and satisfying meal.
  • Layer the ingredients in mason jars to create portability. Start with the dressing at the bottom, followed by the sturdier ingredients, and end with the fresh herbs on top. Seal the jars and refrigerate until ready to serve. Shake well before eating.
  • Serve the detox salad alongside refreshing and hydrating detox drinks like cucumber-infused water, lemon-ginger water, or herbal iced teas such as Butterfly Pea Tea or Iced Green Tea.

FAQS

How is a detox salad different from a regular salad?

This salad includes specific ingredients that are thought to have detoxifying properties, such as ginger, cilantro, and lemon. These ingredients were chosen for their potential health benefits and ability to aid digestion and reduce inflammation.

Are detox salads safe for everyone?

This salad is made with fresh, whole foods that are generally safe for most people. However, if you have any allergies, dietary restrictions, or underlying health conditions, it’s essential to be mindful and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

Storage tips

  • This makes six generous portions so it works well for meal prep. The flavor develops even more from marinating in the fridge and it tastes even better.
  • Keep it refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container for easy lunches or a quick side dish.
Crunchy detox salad in a bowl.

This post was originally part 2 of a 12-day cleanse series for the blog a few years ago. Here are the details and links to the other posts:

Here’s a recap of what I ate on Day 2 of my cleanse:

  • Hot water with lemon + cayenne pepper
  • 1 medium pear
  • Detox Green Smoothie
  • A handful of almonds x 2
  • Chopped Detox Salad
  • 2 clementines
  • Chopped Detox Salad
  • Handful of almonds
  • A large apple, sliced, sprinkled with cinnamon and almond butter

Links to the 12-day cleanse posts:

More healthy salad recipes

A bowl of Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad.

Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

a bowl of fattoush salad.

Fattoush Salad with Dressing

a plate of greek yogurt chicken salad.

Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad

A forkful of arugula salad with goat cheese and sweet potato.

Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese

**This recipe was originally posted on December 30, 2014, updated on February 10, 2021, updated on January 2, 2022, and again on July 30, 2023, with recipe notes, writing, and photos.**

If you’ve tried my Crunchy Detox Salad, please rate the recipe and let me know how it turned out by leaving me a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!

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A bowl of crunchy detox salad in a bowl.

Crunchy Detox Salad

Sharon Rhodes
This Crunchy Detox Salad is a tasty way to kickstart a healthy eating routine. It features tons of colorful veggies and a creamy lemon ginger dressing.
4.97 from 58 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the salad

  • 5 cups chopped vegetables – cabbage, broccoli, carrots, and cauliflower. *or use a pre-chopped slaw mix
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion
  • cup chopped cilantro
  • ½ cup hemp hearts
  • cup pumpkin seeds
  • ½ cup chopped dates

For the dressing

  • ½ ripe avocado
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • cup fresh citrus juice – we use fresh lemon and lime
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ¼ cup chopped cilantro
  • ½ tbsp ground ginger
  • 3 dates (if your dates have hardened, soften by soaking them in hot water for 5 minutes and then draining the water off)
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp fresh pepper

Instructions
 

  • Add all of the salad ingredients to a large mixing bowl. Toss the ingredients well and set aside.
  • Add the dressing ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well again to coat.
  • You can serve right away but this salad tastes best after an hour or so in the fridge.

Video

Notes

Storage tips

  • This makes six generous portions so it works well for meal prep. The flavor develops even more from marinating in the fridge and it tastes even better.
  • Keep it refrigerated for up to a week in an airtight container for easy lunches or a quick side dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 29gProtein: 11gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gSodium: 226mgPotassium: 648mgFiber: 4gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 540IUVitamin C: 92mgCalcium: 88mgIron: 4mg
Keyword crunchy detox salad
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25 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I haven’t done a cleanse in a while but this sounds sooo much better than what I’ve had to eat on my past cleanses. I’ll be making this whether I do a cleanse or not! 🙂

  2. 5 stars
    I love salads and I’m always looking for new variations that are healthy and filling. I’m all prepped and ready to make this tomorrow for lunch. Thanks for sharing!

  3. 5 stars
    This salad looks and sounds amazing, Sharon! I love all the ingredients and the various flavors and textures. I imagine dried cranberries could be used, too, in place of dates…that would make it even more colorful (although I’m not sure about the sugar content)! Thanks so much for sharing!

  4. 5 stars
    I love this recipe and the creamy avocado and ginger dressing is amazing! I will eat this without complaints! It won’t ever be a chore!

  5. 5 stars
    Not sure what a detox salad is but it sounds great to me! Love all of the great colours and flavours in the bowl.

    1. I really just a salad but this one is eaten while doing a detox cleanse. 😉 It’s delish though! Great for meal prep and to have as on-the-go lunch.

  6. 5 stars
    I love this salad! It has so much healthy goodness, but it’s a satisfying meal by itself. So much crunch and layers of textures and flavours. And that creamy dressing is the best!

  7. 5 stars
    Oh yum. I was already interested when you said “healthy veggies, rich nuts and seeds, and sweet dried fruit.” Tossed in a creamy avocado and ginger dressing, though?? Count me in, Sharon.

  8. 5 stars
    Thank you so much for sharing all the 12 days detox recipes. It really made me happy as I was in search for the same and I got many instead of one or two that too from the same place. Looking forward for more detox.And also I just love the recopies over here and have tried many too. Whenever I see all the picture I would like to have this ASAP!!

    1. Thanks so much Christopher! I`m so happy you have tried and enjoyed my recipes. I love waking up to nice comments such as this one. Thanks again!!

4.97 from 58 votes (47 ratings without comment)

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