For a lot of people making or eating a salad might seem dull or just a torture to live through their diet. It doesn't have to be this way as they can be lush and flavourful while introducing a lot of healthy vegetables to complement a balanced diet. Here's a few tips for you to always make a tasty and balanced diet followed by our own simple recipe:
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Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients you use is essential to making a delicious salad. Choose fresh, crisp greens and vegetables that are in season for the best flavor. Go to your local market to get recommendations from the producers themselves.
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Use a variety of textures: A good salad should have a mix of textures, from crispy and crunchy to soft and chewy. Add ingredients like nuts, seeds, or croutons to add crunch, and fruits or dried fruit for sweetness.
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Make your own dressing: Homemade dressings are always better than store-bought ones. They are easy to make and can be customized to your taste. Try experimenting with different oils, vinegars, herbs, and spices to create a dressing that complements your salad. Tip: While oils are a typical choice for dressings as they are good carriers, if you are trying to avoid processed oils, you can also use nut/seed butters such as tahini, sunflower butter, cashew butter mixed with a bit of water to thin it, another alternative is natural yoghurt.
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Don't overdress the salad: Too much dressing can overpower the flavors of the salad and make it soggy. Start with a little dressing and add more as needed, tossing the salad well between each addition.
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Add protein: To make a salad more filling, add some protein such as grilled chicken, tofu, boiled eggs, nuts, seeds, chickpeas or beans. This will also add flavor and texture to your salad.
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Add fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, mint, or cilantro can add a burst of flavor and freshness to your salad. They also make your salad look more vibrant and colorful.
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Cut ingredients into bite-sized pieces: To make it easier to eat and enjoy the salad, cut the ingredients into bite-sized pieces. This will also make the salad more visually appealing.
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Season well: Don't forget to season your salad with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors of the ingredients. Tip: If you want to reduce the salt content in your diet, garlic powder is a great alternative to add seasoning.
By following these tips, you can make a delicious and nutritious salad that everyone will love!
Ingredients:
For the salad:
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts or other nuts of your choosing
For the dressing:
- 1/4 cup Citroo® Kaffir Lime Leaf infused Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
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In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the Kaffir Lime Leaf infused Olive Oil, rice vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
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Add the chopped cilantro and mint to the salad and toss again.
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Garnish with chopped peanuts.
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Serve the salad immediately.
This Fresh Mediterranean Salad is a fresh, bright, and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The Kaffir Lime Leaf infused Olive Oil adds a delicious citrusy aroma and flavor to the dressing, making this salad unique and memorable.