Creamed Kale (Dairy-Free)

This raw cruciferous detox slaw is one of those recipes I make over and over again. It’s crisp, refreshing, and endlessly adaptable—something I prepare several times a week, each time with a little variation depending on what’s fresh, seasonal, or intuitively calling to me. At its core, this slaw features raw cabbage and kale—two cruciferous vegetables rich in glucosinolates, compounds that support the body’s detoxification pathways through the formation of sulforaphane and other bioactive metabolites. Preparing them raw preserves their delicate enzymes and enhances their cleansing properties.

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, cabbage, and arugula are more than just nutritious—they’re biochemical powerhouses that support your body’s natural detoxification, reduce inflammation, and promote hormone balance. But their healing potential isn’t just in what they contain—it’s in how you prepare and eat them. This post explores why eating raw (or lightly cooked) crucifers matters, how to boost sulforaphane production, and the science behind using everyday foods to gently activate your body’s detox pathways. Let these humble vegetables become catalysts for profound cellular renewal and daily allies in your transformation.

This flavorful green soup uses simple ingredients to create a nourishing meal that can help support natural detoxification. It is designed for Phase 1 of our Elimination Diet, but of course is a wonderful addition to your weekly meal planning even if you are not on the elimination diet! The Elimination Diet is not a diet that tells you what is good for you and what is not. It is a process that helps you discover what foods work best for you. We are all unique. There is no one way of eating or one perfect diet that is right for everyone. Even Hippocrates noticed this well over 2000 years ago.

You are going to love this vibrant, nutrient-dense kale slaw. It’s full of detoxification and antioxidant compounds, and absolutely bursting with the fresh, bright flavors of basil, mint, and cilantro. Everything is tossed in a slightly spicy, gingery, creamy almond butter dressing that ties it all together. One of the things I love most about this salad is how well it keeps—up to five days in the refrigerator! Once it’s made, you can take out portions as needed throughout the week to easily meet your daily raw veggie needs. Lately, I’ve been serving a large plateful of this slaw with fried eggs for breakfast, or tossing it with leftover rice and garbanzo beans for a quick lunch. It also pairs beautifully with Thai-inspired dinners like Thai Coconut Fish Sticks, Thai Fish Curry with Garden Vegetables, or a Vegan Thai Green Curry.

After the richness of holiday meals and celebratory treats, your body might be calling for a reset. If you’ve had a bit more sugar, alcohol, or indulgent food than usual, your detox pathways may be feeling the strain. Symptoms like sluggish digestion, low energy, bloating, or inflammation can be gentle signals that your system is ready for a little extra support. This vibrant detox salad is more than just a bowl of greens—it’s a therapeutic blend of plant compounds that help your body rebalance. Cruciferous vegetables like kale and cabbage are rich in sulfur-containing compounds (like glucosinolates) that activate phase 2 liver detox enzymes, while arugula and broccoli offer bitter compounds that stimulate bile flow and support fat metabolism.

If you have a baby or toddler and are ready to introduce them to the lovely world of green smoothies then keep reading. If you are an adult who's curious about green smoothies or have a child who has never tasted one before, then keep reading. This post is for you too!