Thai-Italian Basil Raw Salad with Lettuce, Kale, Tomatoes, and Beets

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup Thai basil leaves (fresh)
• 1/4 cup Italian basil leaves (fresh)
• 2 cups lettuce (e.g., romaine or green leaf), washed and torn into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup kale, destemmed and thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium-sized beet, peeled and grated
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (optional, for added crunch)

For the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Wash all the vegetables thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel.
2. In a large salad bowl, combine the torn lettuce, sliced kale, halved cherry tomatoes, and grated beets.
3. To prepare the dressing, in a separate small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, honey (or maple syrup), Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness and acidity according to your preference.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
5. Add the Thai basil and Italian basil leaves to the salad bowl and give it another gentle toss to incorporate the herbs evenly throughout the salad.
6. If using toasted pine nuts, sprinkle them over the salad for added texture and flavor.
7. Serve the Thai-Italian Basil Raw Salad immediately, and enjoy the fresh and vibrant combination of flavors.

Additional Tips:

• If you don’t have both Thai and Italian basil available, you can use just one type of basil, and the salad will still be delicious.
• To make the salad more filling, you can add protein-rich ingredients such as grilled chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.
• Feel free to get creative with the vegetables and adapt the recipe to your taste. Adding cucumber or red bell pepper can be great options as well.
• For an extra zing, you can also sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese on top of the salad.
• Remember to adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can make it more tangy with extra lemon juice or sweeter with a bit more honey or maple syrup.