By Ellen Siefke
Features Writer

Sunflower Crunch Salad

It’s about time we had a talk, a talk about salads. When I first announced my intention to become a vegetarian, most people were like, “So what will you eat, salads?” This, my friends, is one of the most common misconceptions of vegetarianism. When people think of vegetarians, something in their little minds automatically thinks of salads. Why, I could not tell you. However, I can tell you that there is so much more to vegetarianism than salads. But, as so many people deem us salad-eaters, I might as well give you a delicious salad recipe.
First, you need to completely disregard your definition of a salad. I meant it; the word “salad” is not longer a part of your vocabulary for now. Why am I taking this image out of your mind? It’s because most people picture salads as unappealing clumps of lettuce with a few other tasteless veggies and a giant glob of dressing.
Salads were not created to disgust people; rather, they offer a healthy and light alternative to a the usual soy meat and potatoes (did you catch that? SOY meat?) So, salads can be a great and refreshing way to vary up your day. Here, I offer a simple and flavor-packed salad that can easily adapt to anyone’s needs. Feel free to substitute or add any of your favorite veggies.
Sunflower Crunch Salad
Ingredients:
– 1 head romaine lettuce, torn into small pieces (the size really does not matter, whatever you like is perfectly fine)
– ½ cup finely chopped cauliflower bits
– ¼ cup sliced green pepper
– ¼ cup sliced carrot
– ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
– ½ cup canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
– ¼ cup chopped beets (optional, but always use raw, not pickled)
– ⅓ cup raisins
– ¼ cup sunflower seeds
– your favorite salad dressing
1. Wash and drain the lettuce leaves. Be sure to let the leaves dry for a little bit. Either put them on a paper towel or let them sit in a colander.
2. Now, it’s up to you. Layer all the ingredients together, and toss the salad to mix everything up. I like to sprinkle the raisins and sunflower seeds on top to make the salad look pretty, so maybe you’ll choose it over those things they call “salads” at McDonald’s. Oh yes, I went there.
3. Throw on some dressing, grab a fork, and you are ready to enjoy a tasty salad!