As the air gets crisp and the nights cool down, we find our social gatherings migrating from poolside to inside. Fall rolls around, and it feels like the perfect time to hit up the best restaurants as we chat and catch up over warming, nourishing meals filled with spices and seasonal veggies. Oh yeah, and cheese plates. And wine. And lots of bread.
We’re OK with a little indulging (it’s called living, you guys), but when we know we’ve got a catch-up lunch or casual dinner scheduled and we don’t feel like ordering a heavy pasta dish for the third time in a week, we hit up GreenLeaf Gourmet Chopshop.
It’s not what you’re thinking—yes, they make a killer salads, but GreenLeaf has way more to offer than roughage. The chefs there whip up healthy burgers, tacos, sandwiches, and even brunch dishes, too. With such a varied menu, it’s easy for anybody to find something they’re into eating—even if they’re not particularly health-conscious. Anyone who’s walked past their Abbot Kinney outpost understands the hype; people from all walks of life are obsessed with the fast-casual spot. (Good thing they’ve got locations throughout LA and Orange County, and a new space in the hip Glendale area)
Like any good restaurant, GreenLeaf’s menu is incredibly seasonal. We’re in love with their Shaved Brussels Salad—it’s like autumn in a bowl. And it’s so packed with nutrients, it could even boost your immune system. Brussels sprouts are part of the Brassica vegetable family along with broccoli, cabbage, and collard greens. Brassicas are incredibly high in antioxidants, the free radical-fighting substances that decrease your likelihood of developing serious diseases like oxidative stress, cell mutation, and even cancer. Sprouts themselves contain loads of vitamins and minerals that contribute to overall health; most importantly, a cup of Brussels sprouts delivers 162% of your daily recommended value for vitamin C.
Who needs a flu shot when you can just eat your vitamins, right?
GreenLeaf Shaved Brussels Salad
Ingredients
1/2 heaping cup Brussels Sprouts, shaved
1/4 cup Granny Smith apple, chopped
2 tablespoons pepitas
1/4 cup quinoa
1/4 cup radicchio, chopped
1 tablespoon bleu cheese crumbles
1 tablespoon dried cranberries
2 tablespoons GreenLeaf Apple Cider Dressing
Instructions
Add Brussels sprouts, diced apples, quinoa, radicchio, bleu cheese in a bowl. Using tongs, mix ingredients together. Top with pepitas, cranberries, dressing, and salt and pepper to taste.
