The Nine-A-Day Superfoods Power Salad

Inspired by the USDA's Nine-a-Day Program for vegetables, this recipe packs all the daily requirements into a single powerhouse of a meal. This recipe features several of the super foods that everyone should be eating on a daily basis.

While the list of ingredients might look long, it is not as big a deal as you might think. To add a little bit more punch to the meal, add a low fat protein like tuna, salmon or chicken. Also, you will notice that most (if not all) of the ingredients are usually available at a semi-decent salad bar making it that much easier.

Ingredients for Dressing:

• 1 clove garlic - minced
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp + 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp dried basil
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Ingredients for Salad:

• 8 cherry tomatoes
• 4 red bell pepper rings
• 4 green bell pepper rings
• 3 slices red onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings
• 1 large mushroom, thinly sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach, torn into bite sized pieces
• 1 cup broccoli or cauliflower florets
• 1/2 cup black beans or chickpeas
• 1/2 cup sliced carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced zucchini
• 2 tbsp whole soy nuts

Process for Dressing:

1. In a large shaker or "Rubbermaid" container combine the vinegar, lemon juice, basil, oregano garlic and salt
   
   
2. Shake gently to combine all ingredients
   
   
3. Add the oil and several grinds of fresh pepper to mixture
   
   
4. Cover tightly and shake vigorously to blend
   
   
5. Set aside for at least one hour for the flavors to set

Process for Salad:

1. In layers, add the broccoli, green/red pepper rings, onion, beans, zucchini, mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes, and spinach
   
   
2. Re-shake the salad dressing and add to salad - tossing to coat
   
   
3. Salad can be served immediately or can marinade in the refrigerator up to 24 hours
   
   
4. Prior to serving garnish with soy nuts (and supplemental protein if being used)