I think we can all come to the agreeance that salads are no longer a boring, distasteful option on menus and for mealtime like they once were. People used to categorize a salad-eater as maybe boring or a health nut, but the truth is, salads can be just as delicious, savory and satisfying as any other dish. And regardless of how “health conscious” you know that we all need our greens to stay in tip top health and physical shape. Studies have shown that heart disease, weight gain, and emotional issues including stress and sadness have been related to poor diet. When lunchtime calls, reach for something that will nourish your body and mind. This salad recipe is simple to make, but is high in protein, veggies and is truly delicious.
1. Chicken
Choose organic, cage free chicken breast without antibiotics or GMO. If you are trying to get a good source of lean protein, chicken is a good option for you, but it needs to be organic to have the same benefits. Grill or bake your chicken with salt and pepper, slice, and top onto your salad.
2. Romaine lettuce
Romaine lettuce is a great source of dietary fiber, manganese, potassium, biotin, vitamin B1, copper, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B2, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, phosphorus, chromium, magnesium, calcium and pantothenic acid. There’s plenty of reasons within that list to munch on it for mealtime. For this salad, it’s flavorful and light base with a nice crunch.
3. Kalamata Olives
Kalamata olives are a dark purple olive from Greece. They have a distinctly salty and savory flavor that stands out from other olives. They’re commonly used in Greek salads and can be found at your local grocery store either in the fresh deli section or in a glass jar kept with oil and salt for freshness. Kalamata olives are more than just tasty– they offer dietary fiber, healthy fats, and antioxidants. Similar to other lives, Kalamata’s are a good source of calcium, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin K.
4. Tomatoes
Eating tomatoes raw, that is, not in a marinara sauce on a pizza or pasta dish, has many health benefits. Tomatoes are also high vitamin C, biotin (think hair, skin, nails), molybdenum and vitamin K. They are also a very good source of copper, potassium, manganese, dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin B6, folate, niacin, vitamin E and phosphorus. Chop up the tomato of your choice and toss into this salad recipe.
5. Radishes
Radishes are certainly an under mentioned and underappreciated food. Salads are where radish finds their place. A radish is a root vegetable full of folate, fiber, riboflavin, and potassium.Simply slice and dice them and toss them in for a highly nutritious addition to any salad.
6. Dressing
The dressing is usually where salads lose their healthy benefits. A towering high plate full of nutritious foods is usually tempered by a dressing that is high in salt, sugar and fat, so instead of reaching for that classic ranch, opt instead for a simple olive oil, balsamic, vinegar or Italian dressing. Salt and pepper added can add some extra seasoning to taste.
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