Sliced Veggie Salad with Black Bean Hummus

   There is something elegant about slicing veggies into strips and calling it a salad. Maybe it's pretty. Maybe it's classy. Or maybe, just maybe, it's alot easier to eat crunchy vegetables when they are sliced instead while still getting the same amount of nutrients out of them...Ahhh...That must be it. Now there's the truth.


   Either way, I find it much more fun to make my salads this way, especially in the winter when crunching on a ton of vegetables just doesn't seem as appealing as it does during the summer. It's all about being creative with your food that provides the most satisfaction out of the preparation stage.

   And remember, a salad doesn't have to be your standard lettuce and tomato toppings. But store-bought heavily processed salad dressings are not allowed. Try tossing your salad with home-made hummus (obviously, see recipe below), herb goat cheese, or avocado instead. All three of those additions provide a creamy texture without all the unecessary sugars, oils, and unhealthy additives that typically make up store bought dressings.

   This is also a great dip to bring as an appetizer to a party, paired with a wrap and veggies, or as a dip for kids to eat with veggies as a great finger food. Let's just say this was a hit with Nug yesterday when I made it for him with some sliced cucumbers. The kid had the hummus up to his ears, in his hair, cheeks full of cukes to the point he almost choked, loving every minute of it....(Don't worry, I was right next to him ready to perform the Heimlich if necessary.. : )

Black Bean Hummus:

1 can organic low sodium black beans (BPA Free Can, Try Eden Foods)
2 garlic cloves
1/2 freshly squeezed lime juice, about 2 Tbslp
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground chili powder
1/4 cup organic tahini
1/4 cup water
1/4 tsp sea salt
Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro

Veggies: Sliced thinly with a vegetable peeler

1/2 European organic cucumber
2 organic carrot stalks
1 red bell pepper
1 handful or 1/2 cup organic pea shoots or sprouts

Directions:

1.) In a food processor, combine Hummus ingredients and blend well.
2.) Wash and trim ends off veggies. Using a vegetable peeler, thinly slice veggies into strips with skins on, but be careful not to cut yourself!
3.) Toss hummus into salad as a dressing. Enjoy!