Massaged Kale Avocado Salad

Ingredients:
- 1 bunch purple kale
- 1-2 avocados
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1/2 red onion
- 1 tomato
-1 cup grated carrots
- 1/2 cucumber (optional)
- lemon juice, pepper and sea salt to taste
-sesame seeds
-1/2 tbspn. soy sauce
Directions:
- Wash veggies and chop into small pieces.
- In a bowl literally massage everything (particularly the avocado and lemon juice) into the kale. Massage, massage, massage! Get those hands dirty, become one with your salad.
- Let sit, chill. The salad gets better over time.
*This recipe borrowed from Whole Foods & Healthy Ashley's blog.

Tomato Bread Salad with Herbs

1 T red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove, minced & mashed to a paste w/a pinch of salt
1/4 C extra virgin olive oil
2 C crusty bread cut into 3/4" cubes
1 lb vine-ripened tomatoes, cut into 3/4" wedges
1/4 C kalamata and/or nicoise olives
1/4 C fresh basil leaves, washed well, chopped fine
1 T fresh marjoram leaves, chopped fine

In a bowl, whisk together vinegar and garlic paste; add pepper to taste. Whisk in oil until emulsified. Add remaining ingredients, salt to taste and toss to combine well. Let stand at room temp for 15 minutes to allow bread to soak up some liquid.

A "wild" salad

I got this one from Karen Rakestraw....and I make vats of it on a very regular basis!!

Cook (Lundberg is my favorite brand) wild rice as directed on package....however many servings you need. Usually takes about 45-50 minutes, so prepare early.

PHOTO: The WILD women in Vigeland's Park, Oslo, Norway.
Saute: whatever your favorite veggies are. My faves are broccoli, asparagus, mushrooms. Drizzle some balsamic vinaigrette dressing over the top while sauteing, a little white wine can also be added.
If you like tomatoes, toss in a few grape tomatoes at the end, cover, and let them steam on top of the other veggies...adds a nice zest to the combination.

On a plate, tear fresh spinach leaves. Drizzle with more balsamic if you like. Top with warm rice and sauted veggies.

Garnish with nuts and grated parmesan.

Sometimes I will add chicken sausage, sauted tofu or salmon to the mix.

Yum, my mouth is watering...hope you like it. Other than the rice, its a quick and easy meal!!