Detox Root Salad w/Lemon Ginger Pepita Dressing (Gluten-free, Plant-based, Oil-free)

Detox Root Salad with Lemon Ginger Pepita Dressing–a tasty way to restore your body while keepin’ on with your day!

I Won’t Be Ignored, Dan

Okay, sorry to start off with a quote from Fatal Attraction, but allow me to explain:

I’ve been feeling a little run down and sluggish lately. It’s my body’s language for stop ignoring me! You probably know what I’m talking about.

Parsley Root

We’ve all had them. Those mini-cycles in life that start with more items on the to-do list than usual: work, home, kids, all of the above. Followed by the late night to get on top of things–just one night shorted sleep won’t make a difference.

But then more circumstances arise and nutrition is sacrificed in the name of saving time, and yet more late nights. Before you know it you are in the downward spiral. The aches and pains start, your back starts hurting, and then you can’t sleep. Your appetite is sending mixed messages about what you really need – that chocolate bar would make a nice, quick pick-me-up! NOT!

Carrots

Ginger, Parsley Root, and Carrots

All or Nothing?

I decided to take the bull by the horns before it takes me. Most of us don’t have the time or luxury in our schedule to do an intensive cleanse or detox. You know, the kind where you are all in. Staying at home for a week while your body goes through a major restoration and clean out.

Detox Root Salad – Julienned Parsley Root

Fortunately this is not an all or nothing situation! Toxins can be removed and you can be revitalized a little bit at a time, every day. Measures smaller than totally checking out can be employed to reduce stress. When you spoil your body daily with the treasures that nature provides, the results are golden.

Detox Root Salad – Julienned Carrots

Detox Root Salad – Julienned Roots

Digging for Gold

I gathered together a sum of ingredients that are known for both their detoxification properties and generous provision of nutrients. And dig we must — for roots. Parsley root, carrots and ginger root make up a detox root trifecta.

Together they nourish you with vitamins A, E, C, calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus and magnesium. Simultaneously, they are reported to provide you with detoxification properties like liver and kidney cleansing, gastrointestinal, adrenal and thyroid support, all while being alkalizing.

(Note: Parsley root should not be eaten in excessive quantities by pregnant or nursing women as it is thought to potentially cause uterine contractions. It is also not recommended for people taking blood thinners. As always be sure to seek professional medical advice.)

Detox Root Salad – Blended Lemon Ginger Pepita Dressing

Lemon Ginger Pepita Dressing

Raw sprouted pumpkin seeds (or pepitas) are the main ingredient for the dressing. While they are loaded with plant-based protein, fiber, omega 3’s, and magnesium, their dose of zinc helps metabolize carbohydrates, assists in hormone regulation and contributes to immune health.

Their contribution to detoxification support is not to be taken lightly. In their raw state these little green buggers are loaded with chlorophyll and consequently provide more alkalizing and immune support along with anti-microbial factors that rival coconut and garlic.

Detox Root Salad -Lemon Ginger Pepita Dressing

Lemon juice, garlic and apple cider vinegar do their part by contributing to liver housekeeping, alkalizing, and bringing a nice dose of enzymes and good bacteria for gut health. All of these ingredients come together to form a dressing that is creamy, rich and delicious. There is no oil added either so you just use as much as you want of this protein and nutrient rich saucy detox machine!

Detox Root Salad – Seasoned Roots

Detox Root Salad

While I roasted a small portion of the parsley root and carrot (oil-free!) to provide a nice foundation and texture to the salad, raw is always best. Especially when cleansing. Using a julienne peeler (or you can use a knife) I sliced the parsley root and carrot and placed it on a bed of raw spinach resting on the roasted roots. I topped it with the Lemon Ginger Pepita Dressing and a few more pumpkin seeds to let the house cleaning begin.

I truly felt better after eating this salad. I could feel that stress rope that was twisting tighter and tighter begin to unwind a little bit.

Detox Root Salad – Roots Ready to Roast

Some Additional Stress Detox Tips

Some other things I do to give my body and mind what it needs to combat the effects of stressful periods in life:

1). Start each morning with a cup of warm water and fresh lemon juice. My instinct is to reach for the coffee pot, but first give your body what it needs. A gentle dose of vitamin C, a little aid to detox the liver and a wake up call to your belly.

2). Nutrients are depleted much faster during these stressful times, so get back to basics. I turn to fresh fruit and veggies for snacking throughout the day.

3). Sleep is SO important, especially when you’re in overdrive. After getting everyone else to bed and wrapping up my late night to-do list, I take a moment. Instead of rushing to bed myself, I take a few minutes to just sit and unwind. Climbing into bed in a relaxed state goes a long way toward a good night’s sleep.

What little things do you employ to better manage your body and mind’s response to stressful times? I’d love to know! Feel free to leave a comment below!

Detox Root Salad

You will likely have leftover dressing as I did. It will keep for several days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If it thickens, plant-based milk may be added to thin it.

The next day I mixed the Lemon Ginger Pepita Dressing with a bed of romaine lettuce and it was a great pairing! If you’re interested in more nourishing salads with homemade dressings, check out my Cauliflower “Egg” Salad, Vegan Caesar Salad, or my Chickpea “Chicken” Salad!