Green Vegetable Salad

This green vegetable salad is a great picnic or potluck dish.  The avocado pesto-type dressing is creamy and refreshing.

Green Vegetable Salad

For PDF copy of recipe, Green Vegetable Salad

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 large green pepper, chopped
• 1 cup seedless grapes
• 1 cup spinach
• 1/2 cup carrots, chopped (1 small)

Dressing* (Note that it makes more than needed for salad):

• 1/2 cup walnuts
• 1/2 avocado
• 1/2 cup lightly-packed fresh basil leaves
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons water or brewed green tea
• 1/4 teaspoon each of Salt and Pepper

Directions:

1. Cut broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces, grapes into quarters, and spinach into strips.
2. In large bowl, add broccoli, celery, green pepper, grapes, spinach and carrots.
3. In a blender or food processor, blend together the dressing ingredients.
4. Add 1/4 cup of dressing to vegetable mixture and toss well to coat.
5. Refrigerate salad for at least 1 hour before serving.

*Note that the recipe will make about 1 1/2 cups of dressing that can be used for other recipes. Only use about 1/4 cup for the salad.

If you like, you may add turkey bacon pieces or cooked chicken to the salad for extra protein.