Broccoli Salad with Almond and Chile Dressing

One of the promises I made to myself for the new year was to try to introduce new vegetables into our meals, and to get Ron to eat more vegetables. Here is a wonderfully flavorful salad, with a bit of a Thai taste, that will have adults and children alike, begging for more. I have offered a few variations (haven't tried them all) that will give you even more options. Try it, I think you'll like it. (adapted from a Whole Foods recipe) Broccoli Salad with Almond and Chile Dressing Serves 6 to 8 A highly flavorful dressing featuring almond butter, ginger, garlic, dates and chile pepper makes a delicious accompaniment to broccoli and bean sprouts. Serve it over soba noodles, brown rice, or plain pasta noodles. Ingredients: 1/2 cup almond butter or plain peanut butter will work fine 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice 2 tablespoons chopped pitted dates, raisins or prunes 1 tablespoon chopped fresh ginger(substitute chopped ginger in the jar) 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 1/2 teaspoon sea salt or 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium tamari(or regular soy sauce) 1/2 small serrano pepper (optional), finely chopped (or just use a few chili flakes) 1/3 cup water 2 heads broccoli, cut into florets and lightly steamed (broccolini works well too, or the Chinese broccoli if available) 1/3 cup chopped cilantro, plus more for garnish 1/2 cup mung bean sprouts Method: In a blender or food processor, purée almond butter, lemon juice, dates, ginger, garlic, salt, pepper and water until smooth. Transfer dressing to a large bowl, add broccoli and cilantro and toss well. Cover and marinate for up to 1 hour. Arrange bean sprouts on a large platter, top with broccoli, garnish with cilantro and serve. If you're using noodles or rice, put them on the bottom of the plate, then arrange bean sprouts and broccoli mixture. This is a great salad for lunch, or as a side dish with chicken or fish for dinner. Nutritional Info: Per Serving:150 calories (90 from fat), 10g total fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 0mg cholesterol, 180mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g dietary fiber, 5g sugar), 6g protein