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Oodles of (Veggie) Noodles

Oodles of (Veggie) Noodles

,When it’s 100°, that means salads for dinner every night! Who is a fan of eating hot meals in hot weather? Certainly, not me. Besides, what I love about salads is that you can throw whatever vegetables you have leftover in the fridge — and boom! — you’ve got a nutritious meal. I admit I may have gone a little crazy with my spiralizer, but it’s ok because it’s faster than chopping, makes salad making much more fun; and once you start, you can’t stop!

In my bowl clockwise, is a salad made of spiralized watermelon radish, carrots, golden beets, cucumber, fennel with roasted organic walnuts and fresh mint on a bed of romaine lettuce.

Watermelon radishes have a slightly peppery taste and are high in vitamin C (not to mention one of my favorite radishes out there). They are also 89% water and have basically negative calories because you burn them off just by chewing!

Carrots have a nice sweetness and are also high in vitamin A, dietary fiber, and beta-carotene; another natural antioxidant. Beta-carotene has long been known to be good for the eyes and is currently being studied for its ability to enhance the immune system.

Golden Beets contain good amounts of fiber, iron, potassium, and folic acid. They also are heart healthy, excellent kidney and body cleansers, high in powerful antioxidants, and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. Not to mention, they add a nice sweetness to salads.

Cucumbers, like radishes, are rich in two of the most basic elements needed for healthy digestion — water and fiber. They are made up of 95% water, very low in calories and high in fiber; which makes them ideal for weight loss and digestive health.

Oodles of (Veggie) Noodles - saladFennel is similar to celery with a slight licorice-y flavor, helps strengthen bone health (due to high levels of calcium and magnesium), eliminates bad breath, and is great for digestion. Some of the components of the essential oils in fennel are stimulants which stimulate secretion of digestive and gastric juices while reducing inflammation of the stomach and intestines and facilitating proper absorption of nutrients from the food.

Walnuts are high in healthy monounsaturated fats, improve stamina, and have one of the highest amounts of omega-3 fats of any nut which means they help in promoting brain function and can actually boost your mood! Omega-3 fatty acids coupled with iodine and selenium add to ensuring optimum functioning of the brain.

Mint is a soothing and calming herb that promotes digestion, great for oral health, and has been used since ancient times to soothe the stomach in case of indigestion or inflammation.

Romaine has a mild non-bitter taste, so it’s very versatile and an excellent source of antioxidants like vitamin A/C, manganese, potassium, biotin, vitamin B1, copper, and iron. It also has high fiber and water content, low in calories, and a decent amount of protein!

Not only is this salad overflowing with rainbow veggie noodles but everything is from my local farmer’s market! Yup. Even the walnuts. Whenever I can, I always try to buy organic produce, with the exception of avocados because you don’t eat the skin, and if I can, usually from the local farmers market. Locally grown food, in my experience, has been more nutrient-dense, flavorful, and fresher because it’s picked at their peak ripeness. Also, when you shop at your local farmers market you are benefiting the environment and supporting your local economy!

With that said, by eating a “Rainbow Diet”, you are basically taking mother nature’s multivitamins. Eat the Rainbow, Taste the Rainbow. Right? No. I’m not talking about skittles. This is the real deal.

Oodles of (Veggie) Noodles
Prep Time
25 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
30 mins
 

When it's hot out and you're too lazy to cut up your vegetables, this salad with oodles of (veggie) noodles is just for you. Full of all the colorful veggies, healthy fats, fiber, and fresh herbs.

Course: Salad
Cuisine: Healthfood
Author: Natasha Sheehan
Ingredients
  • 2 handfuls of romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 watermelon radish
  • 1-2 carrots
  • 1/2 golden beet
  • 1/2 English cucumber
  • 1/2 fennel bulb
  • A small handful of walnuts
  • A couple mint leaves
  • 1-2 tablespoons dressing of choice preferably one with minimal ingredients and low in sodium
Instructions
  1. Place romaine in your salad bowl.
  2. Spiralize all your veggies.
  3. Roast walnuts in toaster oven at 350℉ for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add walnuts, mint, veggie noodles, and dressing to salad bowl.
  5. Toss together.
  6. Serve and enjoy!

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