If you are attempting to continue with a raw or vegan diet, there is no need for you to feel slighted at Thanksgiving. Apples and cranberries are part of the traditional Thanksgiving fare and should be used to bring a healthy, totally raw and sumptuous flavor to your dinner on Thanksgiving.

This Waldorf Salad with Apple Chia Dressing is packed with healthy ingredients — apples which are rich in fiber, protect the heart and help control blood sugar and protect against cancer; cranberries that protect against urinary tract infections; and, raw walnuts and chia seeds which are high in omega 3 fatty acid and protect the heart and cognitive functions. Unlike the usual Waldorf Salad, this salad is uses no mayonnasse. The mayo is replaced with a fruit juice dressing made of lemon, apple juice and agave syrup.

Salad Ingredients:

1/4 cup filtered water, room temperature
2 teaspoons dried chia seeds
1 tablespoon raw agave syrup (or raw honey*)
1 tablespoon fresh apple juice
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
2 cups diced apple, with with the peel
1 cup celery, diced
1/3 cup dried, sweetened cranberries
1/4 cup raw English walnuts, chopped
4 leaves butter lettuce (optional)
* honey is not considered vegan

Preparation:

Hours before preparing the salad, mix dried chia seeds into filtered water. Let sit for several hours until it forms a gel. In a small bowl, combine agave syrup, apple juice and lemon juice with the chia gel. Set aside.

Combine apple, celery, cranberries and English walnuts. Add the apple chia dressing and mix together. Spoon each serving onto a small leaf of butter lettuce. Makes 4 servings

Per serving: 139.2 calories, 5.7 g fat, 0.6 g saturated fat, 0 g cholesterol, 1.7 g protein, 21.4 g carbohydrates, 3.9 g fiber, 1.1 g omega 3 and 3.0 g omega 6 fatty acid.