🎥Super Simple Cesar Shaved Brussels sprout salad

During my time on this earth, I've had the opportunity to work in several integrative clinics. Through these experiences, one truth has become abundantly clear: nutrition isn't just about staying healthy; it's about prevention, healing, reversing ailments, and maintaining overall well-being. At one integrative hospital, I created and directed a health and education retreat—a transformative 5-day program. Upon arrival, most attendees exhibited signs of poor health: pale skin, stressed appearances, and eyes tinged with yellowish-grey. Their energy levels were notably lackluster, marked by a lack of focus and minimal eye contact. However, by the end of the retreat, their transformation was remarkable—a complete 360-degree turnaround. Their faces radiated with color, boasting rosy cheeks, while the whites of their eyes regained their brightness and spark. Notably, there was a newfound vigor in their demeanor, characterized by standing taller, increased eye contact, smiles, and a remarkable surge in energy. Witnessing this transformation firsthand underscored the profound impact of nutrition, rest, and relaxation on overall well-being. It's truly astonishing how the body can undergo such significant changes in less than a week.

Did you know that simply upgrading your diet can potentially add years to your life? According to prospective population-based cohort data from the UK Biobank, individuals aged 40 years who made sustained changes from unhealthy eating habits to following the Eatwell Guide recommendations gained approximately 9 years in life expectancy. Similarly, those who adopted the Longevity diet—omitting sugary drinks and processed meats—added an extra 10 years to their life expectancy. The researchers noted that the magnitude of dietary changes directly correlated with the expected gains in life expectancy. This underscores the transformative power of consuming high-quality, nutritious foods.

This super simple yet satisfying salad offers a harmonious blend of ingredients that not only excite the taste buds but also provide robust support for liver health and detoxification. Brussels sprouts, lemon, and garlic featured prominently, bringing their natural bitterness to enhance digestion. Walnuts, abundant in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E, play a pivotal role in reducing inflammation and supporting liver function, making them indispensable in detox regimens. Additionally, the humane-raised heritage bacon, enjoyed in moderation, supplies essential amino acids crucial for liver detox pathways.

Brussels sprouts, brimming with fiber and antioxidants like glucosinolates, aid in liver detoxification by facilitating toxin elimination. Furthermore, the consumption of Brussels sprouts, rich in glucosinolates, may influence specific variants of the COMT gene, illustrating the interconnectedness of dietary components and genetic factors.

The dressing, featuring extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and garlic, further fortifies the salad with its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Anchovy fillets not only contribute omega-3 fatty acids but also enhance the umami flavor, augmenting the salad's detoxifying prowess. With its meticulous selection of ingredients, this salad not only delights the palate but also nurtures and bolsters the body's innate detoxification mechanisms.

Perfect for meal prep, this hearty salad remains fresh for several days when the dressing is stored separately. You can prepare the dressing ahead of time, storing it in a sealed glass jar for convenience. The addition of walnuts not only enriches the salad with vitamin E but also enhances its heart-healthy and liver-nourishing attributes. For a versatile meal option, consider substituting the bacon with alternatives such as cold or hot options like chicken, steak, or salmon. The possibilities are endless. The recipe below is with bacon.

If you are looking for vegetarian options you could try frying and crisping up some thinly sliced mushrooms and a little liquid smoke, or how about tofu bacon, just make sure it is ORGANIC tofu, crispy fried shallots or onions may also do the trick.

Super Simple Cesar Shaved Brussels sprout salad

Prep time 15 minutes
Total time 15 minutes
Serves 6 side dishes or 3 large meal size
Gluten free, low carb, keto, Paleo friendly,

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup of raw walnuts

• 4-6 slices of ButcherBox humane-raised heritage bacon, cooked until meaty

• 1 package Brussel sprouts, shaved.

• Dressing:

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tb fresh lemon juice (1 medium lemon)

• 1 tb dijon mustard

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tsp organic gluten-free Worcestershire sauce

• 4-6 wild-caught anchovy fillets, finely chopped or mashed

• 1/2 cup organic grated parmesan cheese + extra for garnishing

In a small pan or skillet, heat over medium heat. Once hot add the handful of raw walnuts and roast over low heat until slightly golden. Once roasted add to a small bowl and set aside to allow them to cool.

In the same pan used for the walnuts, add the bacon and cook over low-medium heat allowing the bacon to cook through until meaty and slightly crispy. Drain the bacon on piece of non-bleached paper towel, set a side.

Meanwhile, trim off the stem ends and any damaged outer leaves from the Brussel sprouts. Then, using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer (be super careful), slicing them thinly from top to bottom. This will result in long, ribbon-like strips. Add to bowl.

In a countertop blender, add the 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, minced garlic, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and the anchovies, whirl to blend the contents, about 30 seconds to a minute.

With the blender on low, through the hole in the lid, drizzle the 1/4 cup olive oil into the mixture in a small stream. Scrape the sides and mix it again until thoroughly combined. Add the 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese and gently blend until thoroughly combined.

To serve, drizzle some of the Cesar dressing to your desired amount over the shredded Brussel sprouts and mix to coat. Add the crumbled bacon on top. Chop the walnuts into pieces with a knife and add to the bowl and serve.

If you are prepping; add desired amount of shaved Brussel sprouts to a dish with a tight fitting lid. Sprinkle the chopped bacon and roasted walnuts on top. Add some dressing to small jar with a tight fitting lid. When ready to eat, combine the dressing with the salad.

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