This bowl has so much flavor, texture, and nutrition. Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable, which helps to make estrogen into a less potent or proliferative form. It is rich in sulforaphane, which has been shown to inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and induce apoptosis (cancer cell death). Sulforaphane is also a potent detoxifier.

The pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc, and the black sesame seeds are a rich source of antioxidants.

This salad is great for lunches throughout the week as it can be made on a Sunday and then stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Feel free to get creative and use different vegetables!

Salad ingredients:

• 1 head of broccoli, chopped
• 3 zucchinis
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt & pepper
• 2 TBSP nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 4 chicken sausages, cut into discs (optional for added protein)
• Handful of salad greens (ie. arugula)
• Cooked grain, such as quinoa, buckwheat, or rice
• Black sesame seeds (optional for serving)
• Fresh chopped herbs (such as parsley or cilantro) or broccoli microgreens (optional for serving)

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
• ½ cup firmly packed parsley
• 1/2 cup firmly packed basil
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1/3 cup tahini
• ⅓ cup water
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1-2 tsps honey or maple syrup
• Salt & pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spread the chickpeas on a kitchen towel or paper towels and pat them dry. It’s essential to make sure they’re totally dry before baking them (this helps ensure they get extra crispy).
2. Add the broccoli, zucchini, and chickpeas to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with the olive oil, add salt, pepper, nutritional yeast, and the oregano and bake for ~30 mins. (Toss halfway through). If using chicken sausages, add them to the pan the last 15 minutes. 
3. Make dressing: add all the dressing ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
4. Serve roasted veggies and chickpeas over cooked grain, topped with greens, dressing, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs or microgreens (if using).