Before we spiral into the vortex of chest hair-growing, involuntary grunting, crotch-scratching and Arsenio Hall arm-pumping-style dude food this week, we need to prepare our stomach cavity.
We need to massage it and stretch it. We need to put a damp towel around its shoulders and squirt cold water into it. Give it pep talks, sing it inspirational tunes, take it on a long sunset-y beach walk. Braid its hair.
That’s almost the weirdest thought I’ve ever had.
I had this OMG moment at Trader Joe’s a few weeks ago. You know how it’s always a bad idea to go into a grocery run hungry? Right. Well, as I was perusing the salad counter and gnawing on my metacarpals, I grabbed a pretty spinach salad all packaged up real pretty with a bunch of other pretty stuff inside. I cut my errand short (but not without 2 Buck Chuck, YOU CAN BREATHE) and drove home so I could eat and bandage up my hand.
And I had two thoughts:
* This is seriously the best salad in existence!
* I can make this at home!
* I hope this coconut oil really does deep condition my hair!
Three, whatever.
AND, get this. You can prepare the “guts” on Sunday, seal it in an air-tight container and have instant salads ANYTIME YOU DREAM ALL WEEK WHENEVER.
Cleaaaaanse yo’self.
Don’t ask me what my weirdest thought is. Things are going too well for you and me.
Spinach and Edamame Salad:
What it takes for 4 salads:
* 1 (14.5 oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
* 1 (10 oz) bag of frozen edamame
* 1 cup dried cranberries
* 1/2 cup pepitas
* 2 large carrots, finely sliced
* 10 cups baby spinach, divided
* 2 lemons, juiced
* 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
* coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
Cook the edamame in boiling water according to package directions. Drain.
Once cooked, let cool about 5 minutes.
In a large bowl, toss the edamame with the chickpeas, dried cranberries, pepitas and carrots.
In a small bowl or jar, whisk or shake the lemon juice with the oil, along with a good pinch of salt and pepper. Voila, dressing.
Arrange 2-ish cups of spinach on a plate, and top with the edamame mixture. Dress the salad with the lemon dressing and….lunch!
*You can use whatever dressing you prefer. I just happen to be obsessed with straight up lemon.
Yay! So glad you posted this! Making it ASAP!
While I have no desire to watch the manly event at the end of this week, I can definitely still get behind this salad!
Health Foooooood! Yum!
Heck yeah. I love make-ahead things…I’m on it.
I’m kinda needing a cleanse salad like this after wrapping up the dessert’s chapter of my cookbook. You have no idea what kind of CRAP I’ve been eating. Oh wait, I mean… delicious desserts! Seriously, this looks mighty pretty.
I need this salad for lunch! Actually defrosted a bag of edamame last night so I think I might be whipping this fabulous salad up! Yum!
This is just what I want for lunch!
I’ve totally seen this at TJ’s! Totally trying this!
I love healthy salads and this one looks like a doozy. In case you’re wondering, that’s Missouri talk for the best ever!
Gorgeous! and PINNED!
Ok, it’s been a while since I’ve taken a salad out on a date, but I’m thinking I might be up for romancing this dude.
I just found what I thought was my new winter salad love, but then you have to go and post this and now I’m just not sure.
This sounds like my perfect meal!
Oh how your posts make me smile. And, this salad looks awesome! I cannot wait to try it.
Oh get over here, you yummy gorgeous salad!!!
Love this salad! Quick , easy and healthy. Cannot wait to try it.
I want, I want, I WANT!!!!
I love salads that are full of crunch and colour! This ticks all my boxes.
THIS THIS is so me. THIS is the kind of food I eat, love, and want. This, and a bunch of rich desserts
Hi, Bev! I so enjoy reading your posts!
This salad looks heavenly! I need this soon as I’ve been eating an embarrassing amount of carbs, creamy soups and chocolate cookies!
Cheers!
Christi
LOVE it. Edamame is my favorite!
I want to chomp on my screen right now. Why is edamame so good? Also, just remembered that I still have coconut oil in my hair and I still don’t have a new dishwasher, but it’s time to wash this stuff out.
This looks so refreshing and perfect! I love your analogies-ok, braiding your stomach’s hair is super weird but also funny!!
I am so all over this.
My kind of salad! I love that it is colorful and healthy and fresh…Spinach rocks! Thanks for sharing…
Oh, I do love salads like this. Meaty and filling and make-ahead-y. I’ll be saving this one! Thanks!!
i’m very excited to find your site (also in KC) and the salad will hit the spot … though i will need to tweak the dressing … that’s a little bright for my developing veg/vegan pallet.
I have a bag of edamame in my freezer…now I know what to do with it!!!
Gotta get healthy before all that queso on Sunday. 
So delicious and healthy looking!
Looks delicious!! Saw this recipe on twitter. Do you know the calorie count on this salad per serving?
Thank you! Naww, I don’t count calories, but with these ingredients, probably like 4.
So bright and pretty! (and I’m sure pretty damn tasty too!)
So pretty….and this is a great salad for upcoming Spring……sweet Spring!
It is a tasty salad. Thanks for doing what all of us should do- copy the bagged salad ingredients and go make our own!
Had this lovely salad last night for dinner with a grilled chicken breast. Was delightful. Am thrilled we have leftovers to eat to for lunch. Have you ever considered posting nutrition information with your recipes? I’d appreciate that addition to your awesome site!
Definitely next weeks’ new meal!