Sara's Raw Broccoli Salad

Just to get something on this wall...

For those who thought they didn't like broccoli, this recipe may change your mind!  It incorporates raw broccoli (which is hard to eat for most people but oh so healthful!) with an abundance of nutrition powerhouse foods like ground flaxseed and nuts.  And to boot:  it's very low in fat but super creamy and satisfying.  I even throw leftover chicken in it and have that for lunch!

SARA'S RAW BROCCOLI SALAD

Makes about seven cups

INGREDIENTS:
2 large heads of broccoli
1 cups other veggies cut into bite-sized pieces (raw green bean, sugar snap peas)
4 carrots, peeled and julienned (or chopped into bite-sized pieces)

1/2 cup almonds, toasted and cut in half (chunks)
1/3 cup dried cranberries/raisins/currants

1/2 small red onion, finely chopped

(Buttermilk Dressing:)

1 cup buttermilk, well-shaken
1/3 cup mayonnaise
4 tablespoons cider vinegar

1 tablespoon sugar or 3 mini-scoops stevia powder (approx 1/4 tsp)

4 tablespoons finely chopped green onion (or, you could just use a little extra red onion to simplify it)
4 TB freshly ground flax seed


PREPARATION:
Cut broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Peel stem and cut into small pieces as well. Peel and cut carrots and any other veggies you choose to add. For the almonds, you can buy them raw, cut in halves/chunks, place them in a small pan in the oven at 350F for about 12 minutes to home roast them. Once cooled add them to the salad. This is one of the main flavours so don't skip it! Toss the sliced broccoli with the almonds, dried fruit and red onion in a large bowl.

Meanwhile, combine and shake dressing ingredients in a small jar with a lid (add flax last and sprinkle a bit at a time, combining with a fork to prevent clumping). Add a good pinch of salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the broccoli and toss it well. Season well with salt and pepper to taste.

Note: this can be stored in the fridge undressed for up to 5 days (in a glass storage container). Makes it a great "make-ahead" party/dinner salad as you just shake up the dressing jar and dress whatever amount of the salad you want to use.