This week, we are featuring the perfect Caribbean Salad that will help you hold on to that summer feeling even though many of the schools have already started back. Seasons come and go and truthfully, we love all four of them but there is something about the transition from summer to autumn that makes us want to hold on just a little bit longer…and since we can’t control Mother Nature, we’ve come up with a delicious Caribbean Salad recipe that reflects summer perfectly but can also be made anytime you need a reminder of what summer feels like!
In this Caribbean Salad, there are two different kinds of plant-based protein – quinoa and black beans, because let’s face it, we always have just a little bit of leftover cooked quinoa around! You can also add marinated grilled shrimp or chicken if you like.
Let’s talk about these plant-based proteins for a bit:
- Quinoa is a complete protein meaning it contains all 9 essential amino acids. This is special because you don’t find too many plant-based proteins that contain all nine. If you want to read more about the benefits of quinoa, click HERE.
- Black Beans are high in fiber, protein, and complex carbohydrates. They are heart-healthy and have been shown to regulate blood sugar levels. Click HERE if you want to read a bit more about the benefits of black beans.
We also added some pineapple and mandarin oranges in the salad, both of which are very healthy and provide a natural sweetness. However, the Caribbean salad dressing has just enough spice to balance out the sweetness of the fruit. Top it with coconut flakes really makes it taste like an island salad.
Salads are perfect any time of year but especially during these last hot weeks of summer so here are some of our other favorites you might enjoy:
Fresh Strawberry, Arugula and Quinoa Salad with Lime Dressing
A Quick and Easy Salad Inspired By Samantha’s Honeymoon
And if you are in the mood for a heartier Fall like salad, you’ll love this one:
Sweet Potato, Vegan Kale Caesar Salad
The Perfect Caribbean Salad For Summer!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 salads 1x
Description
We don’t want summer to end so we created the perfect caribbean salad that you can make all year long but has those summer feels even when it’s cold outside!
Ingredients
To make the salad dressing:
1 Tablespoon orange zest
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more if you like it spicy)
1 Tablespoon grated shallot (onion will work as well)
1 teaspoon Himalayan salt
1 teaspoon ground peper
1 teaspoon minced garlic
2 oz pineapple juice
2 ounces vegetable stock
2 ounces white wine vinegar
1 ounce avocado oil
To make the salad:
6 cups of Romaine or Butter lettuce (really any lettuce you like will work)
2 cups of fresh spinach
Instructions
1.) In a large bowl, add the lettuce and spinach and toss to combine. Then add the oranges, pineapples, and black beans. Evenly distribute the salad on 4 plates.**
2.) To make the dressing, combine all the incredients in a mason jar or a jar with a lid and shake to emulsify the ingredients. You can also make this in a blender or bowl and whisk the ingredients together.
3.) Drizzle some salad dressing on to each salad, add the toppings and ENJOY!!
Notes
**If you want to meal prep this salad, we suggest you leave the pineapple and oranges and the dressing off until you are ready to eat it. This way the salad won’t get too soggy!
