Salads are a quick and easy dish that does not only include an abundance of healthy foods, but also allows for each individual to customize their own plate! Regardless of what someone puts on their plate, the majority of the ingredients here will pay homage to the early stages of Life on Mars!

Why Salad?

Before the introduction of large animals could be introduced, crops had to be planted. Given the still relatively harsh Martian environment, most of these crops were grown in vertical farming compartments. Vertical farming compartments allow for the growth of plants with limited to no soil, as well as up to 90% less water! This with scientifically determined nutrients can allow plants within these vertical farming compartments to grow larger, quicker, and faster. Vegetables such as lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cucumber, radish, garlic, and spinach are all known to be rather tolerant plants in terms of their environment. This in compunction with the vertical farming compartments propelled the beginning of vegetable farming on the red planet. 

With the technology to effectively and efficiently grow crops, this did not only feed to current inhabitants on the red planet, but also enabled the possibility of hosting larger human populations, as well as larger animals and larger animal populations.  Furthermore, this array of vegetables provides a great source of vitamins, which is why I have included it here for you and your families to have during the Week of the Dead festivities!

Instructions:

Salad:

The instructions for the salad will be quite vague. This is because everyone should make their own salad. The only things you, the host, should prepare are the vegetables and the dressing! If hard boiled eggs and toasted nuts are desired, be sure to prepare those as well!

1. Wash all of the ingredients and dry them off.
2. Slice the mushrooms, cucumbers, and radishes.
3. Chop the onions, tomatoes, and hard boiled eggs.
4. Shred the carrots
5. Crush toasted nuts

The last thing needed is the homemade dressing. 

Dressing:

The homemade dressing is a simple Balsamic Honey salad dressing.

1. In a small bowl, mix and whisk together the olive oil and honey. 
2. Finely mince a garlic clove and add it to the bowl. Mix again.
3. Allow the mixture to sit for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to soak and blend.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

At last, all the pieces of the puzzle are put together! Leave all of the ingredients out for individuals to pick and choose what they would like to include on their plates (think Sweet Tomatoes style)! Sit back and enjoy this healthy appetizer and Happy Week of the Dead!

References

Cipolla, Larry. "Consider These Heat , Drought Tolerant Vegetables for Your Garden." Patch, 6 Feb. 2013, https://patch.com/minnesota/edina/bp--consider-these-heat-drought-tolerant-vegetables-f7d7816f372. Accessed 4 May 2020. 

Kelly, Lauren. "Next Gen Farming Without Soil and 90% Less Water | Grateful." USA Today Life, 21 Sept. 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Ww2TP_tU7o. Accessed 4 May 2020.

Watson, Molly. "Balsamic Honey Salad Dressing." The Spruce Eats, 2 Jul, 2019, https://www.thespruceeats.com/balsamic-honey-salad-dressing-2217078. Accessed 4 May 2020.

(Page By: Tyler Kung)