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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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!

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

• cutting board and sharp knife – this is for chopping the veggies. A food processor makes this task super easy!
• large mixing bowl
• blender – this is for mixing the dressing. You can also use an immersion blender or a mini food processor.

Instructions

Step 1

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

Add the veggies to a large bowl.

Step 2

Next, add the cornucopia of goodness!

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

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.

Expert tip

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

It is a quick shortcut that makes life easy.

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

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.

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:

• Welcome to my “Twelve Days of Detox”
• On to Day One <— read the recap!
• Check out Day Three
• This is the Day Four and Five recap
• Recap of Days Six to Eight
• Days Nine and Ten
• The Grand Finale Days Eleven and Twelve

More healthy salad recipes

**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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