Sunshine Salad with Ginger/Citrus Dressing

Sunshine Salad with Ginger/Citrus Dressing is a delicious combination of fruit and veggies, topped with a light dressing that compliments it beautifully.

I didn't have a few veggies called for in the original recipe, so I just left them out.  I would have added them if I had them. 

I did add the peanuts called for in the original recipe, but I do think almonds would be a better compliment.  Next time. 

I cut back on some of the cheese called for (to help keep the calories in check) and I also cut back on the amount of orange juice in the dressing ( 1/2 cup to the small amount of oil seemed too much to me) and the amount of dressing in general. My personal preference is that I do not like my salads dripping wet in dressing.  I like the dressing to compliment, not overpower the salad itself. 

In order to help the dressing stay together, I added a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.

I'm calling my version of this salad "Sunshine Salad," because it really reminds me of a sunny day.  So colorful and healthy! 

Sunshine Salad with Ginger/Citrus Dressing

adapted from Allrecipes

Servings - 2   Serving Size - 1/2 salad recipe and 1/2 dressing recipe  Points Plus per Serving - 10 Points+

Calories - 378.4,   Total Fat - 14.3g,   Carb. - 53.2g,   Protein - 11.7g,   Fiber 10.5g

For Dressing:

1/4 cup orange juice

1 TBSP rice vinegar

1 TBSP extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. soy sauce

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 TBSP fresh grated ginger

1/2 tsp. ground cumin

For Salad:

2 cups romaine lettuce, torn (I used baby romaine)

2 cups organic baby spinach

1 cup shredded, red cabbage

1 cup raw bite sized cauliflower pieces

1/2 cup sliced red onion

1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1 cup mandarin oranges, drained and rinsed

1 cup fresh strawberry slices

1 oz. blue cheese

8 dry roasted peanuts, finely diced

1. In a small mason type jar, combine all the dressing ingredients and shake well.  Set aside.

2.  Divide salad ingredients evenly on two plates in order as listed.   Pour half of dressing onto each salad.  Enjoy. 

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I really enjoyed this salad as a meatless meal last week.  You could add some chicken to this salad, if you wish, but as it stands, it still delivers a decent amount of protein thanks to the beans. 
I didn't miss the meat.