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salad

Roasted Za’atar Delicata Squash and Shaved Brussel Sprouts Salad

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HEALTHY THANKSGIVING RECIPE SERIES!

Recipe #3: Roasted Za’atar Delicata Squash and Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad

 

We always have a HUGE Thanksgiving dinner with tons of different dishes. I always end up making a lot of various sides to best fulfill everyone in my family’s Thanksgiving dish wishes. For me,  it’s all about the sweet potato casserole (ummm marshmallows during dinner? YES. Please.) and my low carb mash (cuz you know… balance is important), my guy is all about the mashed potatoes, my sister-in-law needs the regular recipe-off-the-can pumpkin pie, my oldest brother gets most excited for the turkey. But the one thing that everyone in my family will all eat is the salad.

Because of this I always make two different kinds, usually a regular chopped Israeli salad and a fall inspired salad a top a fresh bed of leaves with a homemade dressing. And I must say, this one may be my best one yet.

paleo, low carb, gluten free, grain free, dairy free, vegan, keto

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Crispy Brussel Sprouts and Roasted Za'atar Delicata Squash Salad

This is, so far, my favorite autumnal salad. It has a lovely blend of fall and middle eastern inspired flavors. Za'atar roasted delicata squash, crispy shaved brussel sprouts, and crunchy fresh radish all a top a slightly spicy bed of watercress. This is a wonderful salad to have anytime during the fall but would make an especially great addition to your Thanksgiving table. 

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Ingredients

  • 1 medium delicata squash
  • 1 cup brussel sprouts sliced thinly
  • 1/3 cup radish (about 4 medium) sliced thinly
  • 2-3 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1.5 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp za'atar
  • 2 cups watercressed washed & dried

Instructions

  1. Arrange a rack in the center of the oven and another near the top. Heat oven to 350 degrees.

  2. Prepare the brussel sprouts: Wash and trim the brussel sprouts. Either by hand or with a food processor with the thin slicing blade, cut the brussel sprouts into thin rounds. 

  3. Place the brussels in a bowl with 1-2 tablespoons of avocado oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the sprouts. Place the brussel sprouts on a baking sheet. 

  4. Prepare the squash: Thoroughly wash the exterior of the squash. Cut the squash lengthwise, then scoop out all the seed and strings from the inside. Cut the squash into 1/2 inch thick half circles and then again into quarters. 

  5. Place the squash in the large bowl with 1 tbsp avocado oil and the za'atar. Mix together until the squash is well covered. Lay the squash on a baking sheet.

  6. Place the squash in the center of the oven and the brussel sprouts on the top rack. Watch the veggies after about 15 minutes of cooking. Remove from oven when each is cooked. The squash should be soft and tender (about 18-20 minutes of cooking). Brussel sprouts should be slightly brown and crispy but cooked (about 20-22 minutes). 

  7. While the vegetables are cooking cut the radish into thin rounds or thin half circles.

  8. Remove vegetables from oven once they are done cooking. Let vegetables cool slightly out of the oven. 

  9. Assemble the salad by placing the watercress (or other salad leaves of choice - arugula would be great here too) in a bowl, add in the sliced radish, za'atar roasted delicata squash, and crispy brussel sprouts on top. 

  10. Dress with a simple mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper OR use my Herby Turmeric Salad Dressing

Recipe Notes

If you make this recipe I'd love to see your creation! Please either post a comment or picture on this page or if you're posting on Instagram please tag @freshlydafna and use #freshlydafna. 

 

 

Roasted Leek and Cauliflower Salad (paleo, keto, vegan)

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My diet revolves around lots of fresh veggies and some fruit with an emphasis on what’s in season. Eating seasonally has too many benefits for me to attempt to list here, but these are the top reasons I believe revolving your diet based on what’s available in each season is so impactful.

WHY EATING SEASONALLY IS GOOD FOR YOU:

  1. SAVES MONEY – When you eat based on the season it typically means that you are eating locally as well. Eating produce that is harvested close to your market means that the conditions are suitable for growing that crop, making it easier to grow, which means there is more supply which means better prices.
  2. MORE NUTRIENT – Buying produce based on what’s available in that season also means your produce will not be imported and perhaps even better, be grown locally. Because the goods have to travel less of a distance they are harvested closer to their peak ripeness which means higher levels of nutrients.
  3. TASTE BETTER – Because seasonally available fruits and veggies are harvested close to peak ripeness they have more time to grow on the vine/tree/ground or original source making them more flavorful as opposed to those who have to ripen less on the vine and more on the counter or en route. Produce that has been imported is often harvested much before peak ripeness so it does not spoil during transport which leaves it lacking in flavor. 
  4. MORE NATURAL – There seems to be a rhythm in which the produce grows to supplement what our bodies need. Lighter produce like watermelon, sweet stone fruit, berries grows in the summer when it’s warm and something juicy is what we crave. And winter months bring the citrus, packed with vitamin C, and pomegranate rich with antioxidants to protect us from winter illness. The food that grows naturally in those months brings additional support for what our bodies may need more or or lack.
  5. ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY – As I mentioned eating what’s in season means that produce is brought is from local sources. This means less environmental impact because there is less pollution caused from transportation methods. And you support local business!

I created this recipe while in Israel. During my 2 week trip, I visited 5 different food markets. And when I wasn’t exploring new markets I would make my daily trip to the open market near our apartment. It’s always so fun for me to walk down the aisles looking at all the daily fresh finds and talking to the people behind the stalls about cooking tips and favorite veggies. Going to a market is perhaps the easiest way to see what’s fresh and in season.

This recipe was an inspiration of fall flavors. The flavorful and hearty leeks, the tender and comforting cauliflower, laid on top of fresh and bright arugula, topped with touches of juicy, crisp sweetness from a ripe pomegranate and of course the light and creamy tahini sauce. I love a good warm salad because it provides such a lovely balance of tastes and textures that all complement each other. This is also super quick and would be a great main dish next to a protein or as a light appetizer that would go with almost anything.

paleo, keto, vegan, low carb, dairy free, gluten free, grain free

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Roasted Leek and Cauliflower Salad

paleo, keto, vegan, low carb, dairy free, gluten free, grain free

This salad is the epitome of fall flavors. It's super quick to assemble and perfect as part of an entree or as a light appetizer. This warm salad is a lovely mix of autumnal flavors and textures, simply seasoned and dressed with tahini sauce. It's free of most allergens and suitable for almost all diets!

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Ingredients

Salad Components

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 3-4 leeks preferably thin stalks, if possible
  • 2 cups fresh arugula
  • 1/4 cup fresh pomegranate seeds
  • 3 tbsp fresh cilantro leaves
  • 3 tbsp fresh mint leaves
  • 4-5 tbsp avocado oil
  • sea salt
  • black pepper

Tahini Dressing

  • 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste)
  • water
  • 1 fresh lemon

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

  2. Prepare the leeks by cutting off the bottom bulb and the dark greens on the top. Also remove any thick outer layers of the stalk. Cut the leeks in half (lengthwise) and again into 3 inch pieces. Rinse very well while keeping the shapes in tact. 

  3. Lay the cauliflower on the baking sheets and drizzle avocado oil (about 2-3 tablespoons) over the florets. Add about 1 tablespoon each of fine sea salt and black pepper. Use your hands or spoon/spatula to coat and season the cauliflower.

  4. Place in the oven and let cook for about 18 minutes or until just tender (a fork should easily go through it's thickest parts)

  5. Cook the leeks by placing them on a baking sheet, adding about 2 tablespoons of avocado oil and 1 tablespoon each of salt and pepper. Again using hands/tool to coat the leeks. Bake in the oven for about 8-10 minutes. They will be soft and slightly opaque when done. 

  6. Make the tahini by adding 1/4 cup of sesame paste to a small bowl, add 1/4 cup water and mix well. The tahini will get thicker before it starts to get smooth. Add juice from 1/2 of the lemon and mix again. Adjust to your taste by adding more water, lemon, or sesame paste. (SEE NOTE BELOW)

  7. Assemble the salad: Spread the tahini on the bottom of a large plate, add the arugula, then the leeks and the cauliflower, sprinkle the pomegranate seeds on top and finish off with fresh herbs. Add any more salt and/or pepper per your preference and enjoy!

    I like the tahini on the bottom but pouring it over the top would be great too!

Recipe Notes

Tahini: I tend to like my tahini slightly thick with a lot of lemon, which is usually 1/4 cup tahini to 1/4 cup water to 1/2 lemon.  At my house this is usually doubled to keep up with the rate of tahini consumption. You can thin by either adding more water or lemon or thicken by adding a bit more tahini. I suggest starting with these measurements and playing from there. 

If you make this recipe I'd love to see your creation! Please either post a comment or picture on this page or if you're posting on Instagram please tag @freshlydafna and use #freshlydafna. 

If you make this recipe I’d love to see your creation! Please either post a comment or picture on this page or if you’re posting on Instagram please tag @freshlydafna and use #freshlydafna.

Crunchy Summer Salad (paleo, vegan, keto)

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My guy first made this crunchy salad for me when we just started living together in Tel Aviv. We mostly ate at home and would frequently cook for each other, showing off our kitchen skills. When he presented me with this dish it BLEW. MY. MIND. To be honest, I almost never enjoy any cruciferous vegetable in it’s raw state so when I saw him chopping up the cauliflower for this raw salad I was skeptical. But as soon as I took my first bite I was hooked, and after seeing my pure delight in eating this dish he told me he would make it for me anytime I wanted! And that’s when I knew – he’s a keeper. Anyways enough with the mushy stuff, time to get down to the details about this dish.

This salad is easy and simple, perfectly crunchy, is packed with some of my favorite veggies, light and lemony and is excellent for the summer time. It’s also quite possibly my favorite dish of all time and could eat it anytime of day year round. It needs to sit overnight in it’s juices but it’s SO worth the wait, I promise. It’s wonderful as a side to whatever you’re eating. Add some tahini on that plate and you’re in business babe.


paleo, vegan, low carb, dairy free, soy free, grain free, gluten free

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Crunchy Summer Salad

This salad is easy and simple, perfectly crunchy, is packed with some of my favorite veggies, light and lemony and is especially perfect for the summer time. It needs to sit overnight in an excess of lemon juice, but it'll be worth the wait. 

paleo, vegan, low carb, dairy free, soy free, grain free, gluten free

Ingredients

  • 3 carrots medium
  • 1 kohlrabi
  • 1 bell pepper
  • 1/4 head cabbage
  • 1/2 head cauliflower
  • 4 lemons freshly juices
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 2 tbsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Slice the veggies into the pieces/strips and place in large bowl with a cover

  2. Add juice from the lemons to the large bowl. Add salt and pepper. Cover with the lid. Shake vigorously. 

  3. Let sit in the fridge overnight. 

  4. In the morning shake it again, taste, and adjust seasoning accordingly. Shake/stir before serving. 

Recipe Notes

I love this version of the dish because it is simple and the flavors are clean and perfect. But this is SUPER versatile so you can mix it up by playing with the ratios, adding in different veggies like fennel or jicama, maybe some apple, green instead of purple cabbage, or throw in some celery seeds for an extra oomph.

Slice (you can make any size, but I always make thins strips from all the veggies):
3 medium carrots
1 kohlrabi
1 bell pepper
1/4 head cabbage
1/2 head cauliflower

Put in a large bowl, add juice from about 4 lemons, about 1 tbsp salt, 2 tbsp black pepper. Cover and shake it all up. Let it sit in the fridge overnight. Shake it again in the AM and taste for seasoning add more salt or pepper as necessary. Shake again more before serving.  I enjoy this the most on day two!

OPTIONS OPTIONS OPTIONS:
I love this version of the dish because it is simple and the flavors are clean and perfect. But this is SUPER versatile so you can mix it up by playing with the ratios, adding in different veggies like fennel or jicama, maybe some apple, green instead of purple cauliflower, or throw in some celery seeds for an extra oomph.

Zesty Herby Turmeric Salad Dressing (paleo, keto, vegan)

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A long long time ago, before I was as health conscious as I am now, I did not like salad. There was something about all the cold leaves and heavy creamy/oily dressings that I just could not enjoy. And if you asked me about lettuces back then I would have replied that they were simply a waste a space. Get-that-shredded-iceberg-nonsense-out-of-my-otherwise-delicious-burrito type of situation. It was only when I finally had my own kitchen my sophomore year of college and was able to shop and cook for myself that everything changed.

I could concoct my own salads and my own dressings and from there my love of fresh green salads. I would load up salad bowls with all the vegetables I could get my hands on, and top it off with a simple, light dressing. Usually just some lemon, balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper and I was a happy young adult.

As my salad skills has evolved and I overcome my “fat-phobia” (i.e. years of everything without oils or other fats) my dressings have become much more vibrant and well rounded. I am still not one for anything too thick or heavy but this dressing is a fine balance of light yet still creamy and satisfying. All the fresh herbs, turmeric, and ginger truly complement and not overwhelm the vegetables in the salad. As if eating salad wasn’t healthy enough the fresh turmeric and ginger are insanely good for you loaded with vitamins and are natural anti-inflammatory. So wins all around for this dressing!

gluten free/ dairy free/keto/vegetarian/vegan/low carb/grain free/paleo/soy free

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Zesty Herby Turmeric Salad Dressing

A wonderful salad dressing that's perfect for amping up any salad and added health benefits from the fresh turmeric and ginger. 

gluten free/ dairy free/keto/vegetarian/vegan/low carb/grain free/paleo/soy free

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup mustard
  • 1/4 cup oil of choice avocado oil, olive, MCT will do
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tbsp apple cider or rice vinegar
  • small knob peeled ginger or 1 tbsp dried
  • larger knob peeled turmeric or 2 tbsp dried
  • 1/4 tsp sweet paprika
  • handful of fresh cilantro
  • handful of fresh tyme
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • sweetener of choice if necessary

Instructions

Blend everything together in a blender or with a stick blender.

  1. Taste and add additional salt and pepper as necessary

  2. Dress your salads and enjoy!

Recipe Notes

Some may be used to salad dressings having some sweetness to it. If so, add 1-2 tsp (or more if needed) of honey, maple syrup, stevia drops, etc until it tastes well balanced to you. 

 

 

 

Healthy Sabich (aka baked not fried) Eggplant

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Sabich is was hands down my favorite street food in Israel. In my opinion, if you’re eating street fare, it far succeeds even the most delicious of falafel. The meaty eggplant contrasts with the brightness of the chopped tomatoes and cucumber and the mild yet hearty egg all joined together with the cool tahini sauce. As tasty as it is though I do not usually find myself stopping for this veggie filled pita while we are visiting in Tel Aviv anymore. The delicious fillings are usually stuffed in a pita and although I could ask for it sans pita and just on a plate the deep fried eggplant has really been the deal breaker for me.

So, if you’re like me, and want to enjoy those delicious sabich flavors without the negative effects of deep fried foods, you can make it at home!

The key to the sabich is really making the eggplant the perfect texture. Once you have achieved that, you can play with what you add to the dish (as I eat it) or sandwich.

SABICH ROASTED EGGPLANT
gluten free, dairy free, vegan, vegetarian, keto, paleo, grain free

Ingredients

  • 1 eggplant, sliced thinly (a little less than 1/2 inch each slice)
  • sea salt
  • avocado oil
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika

Place sliced eggplant on wire rack, sprinkle with sea salt and let sweat. Repeat on each side. Once liquid has been released from the eggplant wipe the slices with a paper towel.

Heat oven to 400. Place slices on well oiled baking sheet. Brush the tops of the eggplant slices with more avocado oil and sprinkle a healthy amount of paprika on both sides.

Cook at 400 for 20 minutes, then flip and cook for another 20 minutes  or until golden (and not burnt) on both sides.

Optional Dish Additions

  • Chopped Israeli Salad (finely chopped tomato and cucumber with lemon juice, salt, pepper, and possibly good quality olive oil)
  • Hard boiled egg
  • Lemon tahini sauce (tahini, water, and fresh lemon juice)
  • Freshly chopped cilantro
  • Spicy sauce (traditionally z’hug)
  • Pickles
  • Cabbage
  • Sesame seeds
  • Other roasted vegetables (this is not traditional, but I’ll never kick a nicely roasted broccoli off any savory plate ever.)

 

 

 

 

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