Add beautiful color to your holiday feast with a side of our Butternut Squash Salad. Toss chopped kale with zesty lemon juice and olive oil, then decorate the leafy greens with butternut squash, roasted brussels sprouts, cashews, and cranberries. To finish off this earthy bowl of goodness, drizzle with our flavorful garlic kefir dressing featuring our farmer cheese and plain kefir. Every bite of this probiotic and prebiotic salad is a healthy feast for your microbiome, too.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole fat milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = a Healthy You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive system.
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 1 cup butternut squash
- 1 chopped garlic
- 1/2 tbs olive oil
- 2 cups shredded brussel sprouts
- 1/2 cup cashews
- 1/4 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 cup cranberries
- 2 tbsp fresh parmesan
- 3-4 cups of chopped kale (stem removed)
- for kale: 2 tbsp olive oil
- for kale: 1/2 tsp salt
- for kale: 1 tbsp lemon juice
- salt/pepper to taste
Dressing
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp Organic Plain Whole Milk Kefir
- 2 tbsp Farmer Cheese
- 1 tsp chives
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili Flakes
- 1/2 squeezed lemon
Directions
- Toss butternut squash, shredded brussel sprouts, and cranberries in garlic, olive oil, and salt/pepper. Roast in an oven for 10-15 minutes, or until butternut squash is soft and brussel sprouts are golden brown.
- Toss cashews in olive oil, turmeric, garlic powder, and chili powder. Roast for 5 mins or until golden brown.
- While the veggies are roasting, you can prepare the dressing. Add all the ingredients for the dressing and mix until all evened out and smooth.
- In a large bowl, toss chopped kale with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Set aside.
- Once your veggies are done roasting, set aside to slightly cool.
- Fill bowl or plate with your kale, roasted butternut squash, brussel sprouts, cashews, and cranberries. Lightly toss with kefir dressing -- serve.
