by Lisa Federico

Created on: September 24, 2009   Last Updated: September 27, 2009

WHAT TO GIVE VEGETARIAN DINNER GUESTS THIS CHRISTMAS

For those following a vegetarian diet here's an enticing salad with a healthy dressing sure to satisfy any appetite. It's packed with beta carotene, calcium, folic acid, potassium, selenium, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, tons of fiber and it's all good for you!

How many meals do you eat that are actually good for you? Meals that aren't full of processed foods, added sugars and salts, heavy creams, foods that take your body a lot of effort to digest? Not many, I bet.

Give this salad a try. The colors in it are bright and festive, and it's been a hit in my family over many holidays. As a long time vegetarian myself this is a staple meal, and one I never tire of for the simple fact it's so good.

You can switch out some of the vegetables if you like, use a green apple instead of a pear, use different seeds or nuts, etc., but the recipe below is the one I follow and the one I share with friends and family, take to barbecues and family gatherings and I'm pleased and proud to tell you the bowl is always empty at the end of the meal.

I guess what Mom said is true: Eat your fruit and vegetables and you won't go wrong!

For a vegetarian a large serving is a meal, but I guarantee plenty of meat eaters will be digging in for a taste, too.

Vegetarian Salad

1 large container of baby field greens

2 large carrots, grated

2 stalks of celery, chopped

1 English cucumber, chopped

1 small head of broccoli, chopped into small pieces

1 can of black olives, drained and rinsed several times to eliminate excess sodium

2 large Bosc pears, chopped into small pieces

2 large beets, cooked, cooled, patted dry, and cubed

Dressing

standard Italian dressing: extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, water, spices

2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons of minced flaxseed

2 tablespoons of minced sunflower seeds

Stir together, or mix all in a standard size salad dressing bottle. It will be thick so shake well.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad, and serve with toasted whole wheat pita topped with hummus.

Delicious and nutritious a salad you can serve throughout the year and a healthy alternative to the standard meat and potatoes or fast food diet so many follow.

Preparation is quick, and there's nothing better than filling up on food from the earth simple, natural, and it's all good for you!

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