Summer is well under way and if you’re in the Northern hemisphere in particular, it’s the ideal season to enjoy a light and refreshing salad. Packed with nutrients and antioxidants, green salads are great for a filling lunch or dinner.
When combined with a good source of protein such as chicken, fish, lentils or tofu it can be a hearty meal in itself. Salad is ‘boring’ however if you have it in the same way all of the time. Variety is the spice of life and key to enjoying a delicious meal…even if it is a ‘simple salad’.
1. Italian Mung Bean Penne Salad
This delicious Italian salad contains pasta made from mung beans, making it the perfect way to enjoy more veggies without any of the unhealthy side effects. Combine with artichokes, cucumber, olives and red onion. Then top with fresh herbs like Italian parsley and a drizzle of Extra Virgin Olive Oil to create an authentic Mediterranean dish. Get the recipe here
2. Greek Salad with Lemon and Oregano
This classic Greek salad is the perfect accompaniment to any fish dish and is equally as great on its own for a super healthy lunch. Cucumber is cleansing for the digestive system, olives are a healthy source of Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids and Raw Feta Cheese is a good source of Vitamin B2. Oregano has many antibacterial properties while lemon can promote a more alkaline pH in the body. Get the recipe here.
3. Salad of Shaved Fennel, Oranges and Candied Pecans
Fennel is an excellent source of Fiber, Potassium, Vitamin B6, C along with other phytonutrients. Combined with oranges that are high in Vitamin C and pecans that are rich in B vitamins and zinc this makes for a delicious and zesty salad. Get the recipe here.
4. Raw Beet and Sweet Potato Salad
Beets contain important nutrients like protein, phosphorus, zinc, fiber and magnesium. Sweet potato is a good source of Vitamin C, manganese, along with Vitamins B1, B2 and B6. Spiralised together, they make for a colourful and super nutritious way to get more vegetables into your diet. Get the recipe here.
5. Quinoa Vegetable Salad
Quinoa contains all essential amino acids, along with being rich in protein and a good source of magnesium and manganese. Quinoa can be filling, especially when combined with vegetables to get a wide variety of vitamins and minerals into the diet. Get the recipe here.
5. Apple Salsa Salad
Apples are high in fiber and Vitamin C along with various antioxidants. Combine with raw honey, quinoa, garlic, green onions, lambs lettuce and cilantro to create a refreshing salad. Get the recipe here.
