Healthy Broccoli Salad

Here is a healthy version of broccoli salad. I was motivated after reading an article about Diindolylmethane (DIM).

DIM is being studied at UC Berkeley for its role in cancer therapy. DIM is found in raw cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and kale.

You can get this in pill form – and may be worth researching for people with immune deficiency, infections and multiple forms of cancer. Because it’s an “estrogen modulator” some believe it has benefits for menopause.

While I learn more about DIM, it seemed like a good idea to get more in food. Cruciferous vegetables are known to have protective effects against cancer. DIM is destroyed by cooking – so getting some raw seems like a good idea.

I already eat a lot of cabbage and kale in my salads, but I’ve not been that fond of raw broccoli. Time to experiment!

There is the popular broccoli salad with mayonnaise, sugar and bacon, but I wanted a healthier version. Here is what I came up with. I love it when healthy habits taste so great.

Healthy Broccoli Salad
1 head broccoli, chopped (including at least some of the stems)
¼ red onion, chopped
1 cup radicchio, chopped (or use cabbage or any other veggie)
1 carrot, grated
¼ cup parsley, chopped
¼ cup cashews, chopped (or walnuts or almonds)
2 tablespoons dried cranberries
Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime
Balsamic/Olive oil vinaigrette

Mix all ingredients, using just enough salad dressing to moisten. I think this is even better if it sits for a little while, allowing the dressing to soften the vegetables.

This is just a starting place! You could use any combination of vegetables, fruits and nuts. Let me know what you come up with – I might want to try it!

Find more nutrition information and my monthly newsletter on my website:  http://healthyhabitscoach.com .
Eat well!