- By Alyssa Rasul of Circuit of Change

I love adding "sweetness" to savory dishes especially around the holidays. It helps to satisfy the craving for something sweet while avoiding the traditional sugary holiday treats.  

I also always make sure to have a decent amount of raw dishes around to keep the digestive system from feeling too heavy and to balance the abundance of cooked dishes during the colder seasons.  Raw dishes, like salads, are also super quick and easy to prepare. Did I mention easy?

Butternut Squash Quinoa & Kale Salad

Ingredients
1 large butternut squash
1 bunch of kale
1-2 cups of quinoa 
handful of pine nuts
extra virgin olive oil
cinnamon
sea salt & black pepper 

Directions

1. Peel and cut squash into small cubes, coat with olive oil and bake at 425 for 30 minutes or until tender 
    
2. Remove from oven drizzle with a little olive oil, maple syrup and cinnamon, roast in oven for an additional 3-5 minutes
    
3. Once your quinoa is cooked, place in fridge to cool
    
4. Tear apart kale with your hands into small pieces and "massage" it (this technique breaks down the bitterness and creates a "cooked" texture)
    
5. Mix together quinoa, kale, and squash, sprinkle with pine nuts
    
6. Add sea salt and black pepper to taste and an additional drizzle of olive oil and maple syrup if desired

Apple Arugula Pineapple Salad

Ingredients

1 large bunch or bag of arugula 
2-3 green apples
1 cup pineapple, diced
1/4 cup parsley, minced 
1 avocado
sunflower seeds 
slivered almonds 
fresh lemon juice
extra virgin olive oil 
sea salt & black pepper 

Directions

1. Chop arugula, green apple, pineapple, parsley and avocado
    
2. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over top
    
3. Add generous amount of slivered almonds and sunflower seeds
    
4. Drizzle with olive oil, sea salt and black pepper to taste

Tips

• use chopped dates as a natural sweetener 
• use nuts and seeds to boost nutrition, add flavor, and texture
• use citrus to add freshness, immunity boosting vitamins, and brighten any dish! 

Alyssa Rasul is a Board Certified Holistic Health & Nutrition Coach, passionate plant-based foodie, and the Wellness Director at Circuit of Change in New York City, named NY Magazine's "Best Zen Bootcamp". 

Through her one-on-one health coaching programs, plant-based cleanses, and workshops she supports her clients to heal and transform mind, body, and spirit. She teaches how to thrive in all areas of life with plant-based eating, active living, and self-love.

Find more of her delicious recipes and healthy living tips on Facebook and Instagram (@circuitofchange).