Recipe:
The classic summer potluck broccoli salad gets a healthier spin with lots of glow-boosting nutrients.
Broccoli is a great source of vitamin C, which is necessary for collagen production to renew skin. Silken tofu serves as a substitute for mayo to create a creamy dressing that is high in protein to aid in collagen renewal. Carrots supply beta-carotene, an antioxidant that gets converted to vitamin A in the body, which helps to keep skin soft and smooth.
Sweet and chewy dried cherries are rich in anthocyanins, which help strengthen and stabilize the collagen matrix. And walnuts provide a nutty crunch as well as a healthy dose of skin-friendly omega-3 fatty acids and L-arginine, an amino acid that can help boost circulation to skin, creating a healthy glow.
Ingredients:
For the salad:
2 large heads broccoli, cut into florets and steamed
1 cup shredded carrots
1⁄4 cup dried cherries
1⁄4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
2 tablespoons minced red onion
For the creamy tofu “mayo” dressing:
12 oz silken tofu
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon honey
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
In a large bowl, combine broccoli florets, shredded carrots, dried cherries, walnuts, and red onion.
In a blender, blend together all dressing ingredients. Pour dressing over salad and mix well to combine.
Yields: 4 servings
Per serving: 145 calories, 7.3 g protein, 15 g carbohydrates, 3.1 g fiber, 9 g sugars, 7.3 g fat, 0.8 g saturated fat, 0 g trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 349 mg sodium, 106 mg calcium, 0.8 g omega-3 fats, 2645 IU vitamin A, 57.3 mg vitamin C, 0.1 mg vitamin E, 1.6 mg iron, 0.5 mg zinc
Lisa Drayer, M.A., R.D.,
is the author of THE BEAUTY DIET and STRONG, SLIM, and 30! For more of Lisa’s Beauty Bites, visit www.lisadrayer.com.