This recipe is gluten-free and can be prepared raw and vegan
This is just a simple, easy salad you can make anytime, paired with a basic 4-ingredient dressing. You can use the ingredients listed below or switch them up and create your own unique salad flavor.
![Simple Salad](https://healthyeating.inquiryhub.org/files/2013/10/Raw-Food-130-2dkvw2x-1024x768.jpg)
For the salad, you will need:
-lettuce (any kind you like – I used romaine), about 1 head
-1-2 leaves of kale with cores (optional)
-1 bell pepper (I used yellow)
-a few small tomatoes
-3 mini cucumbers (not the super mini ones)
-some green onion (however much you like, maybe 3-4)
-several sprigs of dill
-raw shelled sunflower seeds to sprinkle on top
For the dressing:
-1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
-1/4 cup lemon juice
-1/4 cup honey (or other sweetener if you want to make this dish vegan), preferable raw
-1-2 cloves garlic, depending on your taste preferences
You can also add salt and pepper, if you so desire, and any other spices you like. Sometimes I make this with basil and oregano for a Greek salad.
Like any other salad, simply chop up your ingredients: the lettuce, kale, bell pepper, tomatoes, cucumber, and green onion, and mix them together.
![Lettuce](https://healthyeating.inquiryhub.org/files/2013/10/Raw-Food-111-1rkbmwk-1024x768.jpg)
![Kale](https://healthyeating.inquiryhub.org/files/2013/10/Raw-Food-112-29zbnoa-1024x768.jpg)
![Yellow Bell Pepper](https://healthyeating.inquiryhub.org/files/2013/10/Raw-Food-115-1fhu62o-1024x768.jpg)
![Tomatoes](https://healthyeating.inquiryhub.org/files/2013/10/Raw-Food-117-v65mgj-1024x768.jpg)
![Cucumber](https://healthyeating.inquiryhub.org/files/2013/10/Raw-Food-116-vwdfvz-1024x768.jpg)
![Green Onions](https://healthyeating.inquiryhub.org/files/2013/10/Raw-Food-120-yc89q7-1024x768.jpg)
![Unmixed Salad](https://healthyeating.inquiryhub.org/files/2013/10/Raw-Food-122-1a296a1-1024x768.jpg)
At this point, you can also chop the dill and mix it in or sprinkle it on top after you’ve mixed the other ingredients.
![Mixed Salad](https://healthyeating.inquiryhub.org/files/2013/10/Raw-Food-140-2lmg7d2-1024x768.jpg)
Add the sunflower seeds (and dill, if you haven’t already) on top as a garnish and to add a nice crunch to the salad.
![Finished Salad](https://healthyeating.inquiryhub.org/files/2013/10/Raw-Food-133-1wttbr7-1024x768.jpg)
![Finished Salad Close-up](https://healthyeating.inquiryhub.org/files/2013/10/Raw-Food-131-2cuo4nv-1024x768.jpg)
To make the dressing, add all the ingredients into a bullet or blender and blend until combined and creamy. Drizzle on top of your salad just before eating and enjoy!