Easy Salad with Macadamia "Cheese"

I was really craving a salad similar to the one I had had in San Francisco a few weeks ago. I went to Whole Foods to buy pre-cooked shrimp, but it wasn't wild 
:(. Alas, I decided to just make a veggie salad to get in my daily nutrients! I was going to mimic the macadamia nut dressing I had also had with that salad, but it turned out way too chunky and became like cheese. That's okay, because one recipe failure, turned into another success! I came up with a macadamia-type "cheese" that actually kind of tasted, well, cheesy. And now I know for next time how to make an actual macadamia dressing-- add more water and use a food processor, NOT a blender! Anyways for my salad here ya go:

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Ingredients:
-1 cup chopped broccoli
-1 cup chopped cauliflower
-A handful of carrots
-A handful of baby tomatoes 
-1 cup spinach 
-1/2 cup finely chopped kale (or Red Cabbage-- adds some texture to the salad!)
- 1 mini cucumber sliced (I left the skin on)
-2 tbsp lemon juice 

For the cheese:
-2 tbsp lemon juice
-1/2 cup macadamia nuts
-1/4 cup water
-1 tsp each salt, pepper, and cumin!


Directions:

1. In a blender, or preferably a food processor, add just the macadamia nuts and process still creamy and smooth. 

2. Add the water, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and cumin, and combine-- more water may be needed or lemon for a smoother consistency. (this made about 3 servings of the cheese I used for my salad and the leftovers stay well in the fridge for toppings on other foods, like steamed spinach!)

3. Chop all your veggies and place in a bowl. Add sea salt, oregano, and pepper, and sprinkle lemon juice. 

4. Add your macadamia cheese, tossing to mix evenly. 

5. Enjoy! (Also may be topped with avocado or a meat if you'd like). 

A simple and refreshing salad, I enjoy this recipe after bikram yoga when I feel most detoxed from the heat. It is energizing and nutrient-filled. Don't neglect your veggies: Eat UP!