March 1, 2026 | by ANNALIISA KAPP
Feeling a little grumpy or flat today? This bright, nourishing salad is like a little bowl of sunshine, designed to support steady blood sugar, feed your gut, and lift your mood.
WHY THIS SALAD WORKS
This isn’t just a pretty bowl. Every ingredient was chosen to help your body and mind feel their best:
- Butternut squash and black beans are packed with fiber and slow-digesting carbs, which help keep your energy steady and reduce cravings.
- Fiber also feeds the good bacteria in your gut, which produce calming metabolites that support your gut-brain connection.
- The dressing combines kefir with turmeric, orange, and a touch of honey. Kefir is full of naturally cultured bacteria, while turmeric and orange add mood-supportive antioxidants.
- Walnuts and avocado oil provide brain-friendly fats, helping your body absorb the nutrients from your greens and spices.
- Mushrooms like lion’s mane and turkey tail add a subtle boost for your brain and microbiome.
The result? A salad that’s not only delicious but designed to help you feel calm, focused, and resilient all day long.
INGREDIENTS
For the salad:
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Eversio 3 Mushroom Blend
- ¼ tsp sea salt
- 3–4 cups thinly sliced greens
- ½ cup cooked and rinsed black beans
- 8 walnuts, chopped
For the dressing:
- ⅓ cup plain kefir or yogurt
- Juice of 1 small orange
- 1 tsp raw honey
- 1 tsp turmeric powder
- ⅛ tsp sea salt
DIRECTIONS
Roast the squash: Preheat your air fryer to 450°F (230°C). Toss the cubed squash with avocado oil, coriander, garlic powder, 3 mushroom blend, and salt until evenly coated. Place in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 18–20 minutes, until tender and lightly crisp.
Make the dressing: Whisk together kefir, orange juice, honey, turmeric, and salt until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the salad: Divide the greens between two bowls. Top with roasted squash, black beans, and walnuts. Drizzle with dressing and enjoy immediately.
