Green Eats: Nourishing Your Body with Fresh Salad Delights

Eating salad offers numerous health benefits due to its high nutritional value and low-calorie density. Here are some of the key benefits of including salads in your diet:

1. Rich in Nutrients

2. Weight Management

3. Digestive Health

4. Heart Health

5. Hydration

6. Bone Health

7. Skin Health

8. Weight Loss

9. Better Immune Function and many more…

List of ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 6 cups of mixed greens (e.g., lettuce, spinach, Celery, Parsley, etc.)
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced or cubes
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 Amla (Indian Gooseberry)
• 1/2 Bell Pepper (Red, Green, and Yellow)
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
• 1/2 beetroot, cubes
• 1 small carrot, cubes
• 1/4 cup toasted nuts or seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds)
• Boiled chickpeas.

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons chili vinegar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chat Masala (optional)
• 1/4 spoon honey (optional)

Instructions:

STEP 1: Prepare the Greens

Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly. You can use a salad spinner or pat them dry with paper towels. Tear or chop the greens into bite-sized pieces.

STEP 2: Add Vegetables and chickpeas

Add the thinly sliced or cubes of cucumber, boiled chickpeas, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, beetroot cubes, carrot cubes, and bell pepper of yellow, green, and red color, to the bowl with the greens. If you like black olives and feta cheese, add them as well.

STEP 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil, chili vinegar, salt, herbs of your choice, lemon juice, pepper, chat masala, and a little honey (optional). Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning to your preference. You can adjust ingredients if desired.

STEP 4: Toss the Salad:

Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Use salad tongs or two large spoons to gently toss the salad, ensuring the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.

STEP 5: Garnishing

Garnish the salad with lemon zest, grated amla, and roasted nuts.

STEP 7: Serve

 Once the salad is well coated with the dressing, transfer it to individual salad plates or a serving platter. If you’re using feta cheese, sprinkle it.

STEP 8: Enjoy your salad

Serve your green salad immediately as a refreshing side dish or a light meal. You can also customize it by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, paneer, tofu, or your favorite protein for a heartier option.