This super healthy vegan salad is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients and is so good for you. It’s filled with juicy fruits, live H20, and essential vitamins and minerals that will keep your body hydrated all day long. Say hello to your next post-workout treat!
I love salads. I love salads, even more, when they’re addictive and can’t-put-you-down delicious. This recipe is just that! Whenever cherries are in season, I make sure to have them stocked up in my fridge and freezer. They can be rather pricey, sometimes going for more than $9.99 a pound. If you know where to look you can score a bag of organic cherries for $2.99 a pound. It may take some hunting but for all the benefits that cherries provide, it’s absolutely worth it!
What Makes This the Best Anti-Inflammatory Salad?
Arugula
Arugula contains indole-3-carbinol and isothiocyanates. Both compounds have been found to suppress pro-inflammatory mediators.
Cherries
Cherries are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which help the body fight inflammatory diseases like arthritis and diabetes. The use of tart cherry juice for post-workout recovery is well known, helping to relieve joint pain and gout.
Cherries can help decrease nitric oxide (NO) levels. This is especially helpful in situations where high NO levels become more destructive than they are beneficial, as in topical steroid withdrawal, or TSW.
Blueberries
Blueberries are an antioxidant powerhouse. According to this study, their greatest anti-inflammatory effects are evident in their ability to reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which causes protein and DNA damage.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers contain polyphenols called lignans and cucurbitacins which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor effects.
Avocados
Avocados are an excellent source of monounsaturated fat and vitamin E, helping to fight joint damage and pain.
Radishes
Radishes contain anthocyanins and flavonoids in their red skin, helping to fight cancer cell reproduction.
Additional Toppings
Try adding slivered almonds and sesame seeds to your salad as a garnish. Tossing hemp seeds into the mix provides an indispensable plant-based source of protein, omega-3, and omega-6.
Looking for More Vegetarian Meals? Try These:
- Vegan Pear Arugula Salad (AIP, Paleo, Whole 30)
- 6-Ingredient Tomato Berry Kale Caesar Salad
- The Ultimate Nourishing Green Gazpacho
- The Easiest Eggplant Fritters (Paleo, Keto, Whole 30)
- Red Pepper Spicy Tofu Steak (Keto, Gluten-Free)
The Most Delicious Anti-Inflammatory Cherry Berry Salad
A juicy anti-inflammatory salad packed full of antioxidants and healthy fats
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh arugula greens
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/2 small cucumber, diced
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 2 pcs red radish, slivered
Dressing
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Cut fresh cherries in half and remove the pit.
- Take one half of a small cucumber and cut into cubes.
- Cut one avocado in half, removing the pit and skin. Cut into cubes.
- Cut the red radishes into finely slivered pieces.
- In a small bowl, make the dressing. Mix the extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. Set aside.
- Plate the arugula greens and add all ingredients. Drizzle the dressing on top.
- Add desired toppings.
Notes
Optional Toppings:
- 2 tbsp almonds, slivered
- 1 tsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 249Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 27mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 10gSugar: 15gProtein: 5g
* Nutrient values are estimated
