AUTHOR: Julia TITLE: Rejuvenating Salad DATE: 4/27/2009 03:33:00 AM ----- BODY:

Once a year, I retreat to Kripalu in the Berkshires of Western, MA for a weekend of yoga, relaxing and cleansing. The tranquil setting offers a respite from all the toxins of my urban lifestyle – noise, pollution, decadent eating and drinking.

I make no pretense that I would embrace this lifestyle in its entirety on a regular basis -- though I very much enjoy the elements. But every once in a while, it feels great to refresh my body. I relinquish wine and red meat in favor of the light cuisine they offer in the cafeteria. Honestly, it’s the quintessential “granola-crunchy-health” food. I never cook this way at home, but it tastes great, and I feel refreshed after eating like I never do after a meal of foie gras and truffles.

I have no plans for visiting Kripalu in the near future, but definitely need a little detoxing – especially after Taste of the Nation and Foie Gras Three-Ways. A friend just unearthed the recipe their famous salad dressing. I made a salad full of virtuous ingredients. After this meal, I feel light and rejuvenated.

Salad
(Serves 2 an invigorating lunch)

2 cups arugula or baby spinach
1 small can tuna fish, drained
½ cup cooked chickpeas
2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
1 cup steamed broccoli.

Kripalu Dressing
1 cup sunflower oil or grape seed oil
2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
¼ cup soy sauce
½ cup lemon juice
⅓ cup sesame tahini
2 cloves garlic
½ tablespoon dry mustard powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ tablespoon chili powder
pinch cayenne
½ cup water

Combine all ingredients and puree in a blender until smooth. Makes about 2 1/2 cups and lasts for a week in the fridge.

Labels: celiac, salad, vegetarian

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

ChristyACB DATE:4/27/2009 06:22:00 AM The dressing sounds yummy..love those ingredients! Thanks. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types DATE:4/27/2009 08:38:00 AM It was so warm this weekend, that I immediately went for the salad as well - there is something renewing about welcoming the nice weather with beautiful greens! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

noble pig DATE:4/27/2009 12:36:00 PM I love the sunflower seeds and cranberries in here. I'm sure they give it the perfect texture and crunch. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Lydia (The Perfect Pantry) DATE:4/27/2009 08:25:00 PM After two solid days of making and baking cookies (which I don't even eat), I had to have a salad for dinner tonight. I do feel lighter and refreshed! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Heather DATE:4/27/2009 08:57:00 PM a weekend of yoga and relaxing sounds wonderful! as does this salad!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

melissa DATE:4/28/2009 04:26:00 PM I remember when I came back from Vegas last year and could not WAIT to eat lean, homemade food. I love the rejuvenation it brings. Lovely salad! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

adele DATE:4/28/2009 09:21:00 PM I've been thinking lately that I need to branch out from basic mustard-oil-vinegar dressings. This seems like a good place to start. :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

Psychgrad DATE:5/02/2009 05:09:00 PM I could handle a weekend like that. Well...maybe a weekend to sleep first and then a retreat weekend. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:

EAT! DATE:5/03/2009 08:24:00 PM I have a huge container of tahini that I only use for hummus. So glad I stumbled upon your recipe for dressing with tahini. I can't wait to make this recipe. ----- --------