Let’s face it, traditional salads can often leave you feeling hungry and unsatisfied. But, have you tried a power salad? Power salads are more than just boring veggies – they’re a complete meal, full of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein… and most importantly, FLAVOR! Indulging in a power salad for lunch or dinner is the perfect way to satisfy your taste buds while also eating healthy. And let’s face it, many of us are looking for ways to avoid cooking in our already stifling kitchens. Below are the step-by-step instructions for creating a tasty and healthy power salad.
Take a handful of Arugula and spread them at the bottom of your salad bowl to serve as the bed of your salad. Arugula has tons of nitrates, which are really good for the body.
Nutritional Facts:
Arugula is known to be high in Calcium, Potassium, Folate, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and Vitamin A.
Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of boiled buckwheat. Buckwheat is a good source of fiber. Every ¼ cup of boiled buckwheat is equivalent to 8 grams of protein. You can add more, according to your liking, and for added texture to your salad.
Nutritional Facts:
Buckwheat contains a variety of nutrients, including Protein, Fat, carbohydrates, Fiber, Potassium, Phosphorous, Magnesium, Calcium, and Iron.
Next, add in 1 to 2 tablespoons of chickpeas. Chickpeas are another plant-based version of a good protein source. Every ¼ cup of chickpeas is equivalent to 8-9 grams of protein. You can add more, according to your liking, and for added texture to your salad.
Nutritional Facts:
Chickpeas are also known as garbanzo beans and are a good source of Calories, Carbs, Fiber, Protein, Folate, Iron, Phosphorus, and Copper.
To make your salad more appetizing and more colorful, add some cherry tomatoes. Either cut them in half or add them whole to your salad bowl. Add more or less according to your liking and for added texture in your salad.
Nutritional Facts:
Cherry tomatoes have higher beta-carotene content than regular tomatoes. They are excellent sources of vitamin C and other antioxidants like lycopene.
Next, add in some sliced cucumber for added crunch. Cucumber is also a good source of hydration in your salad. You can add more or less according to your liking and for added texture.
Nutritional Facts:
Cucumber is known to be a good source of Potassium, Fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Magnesium, Potassium, Manganese, and Vitamin A.
Drizzle around 3 tablespoons of Hemp Hearts on your salad. Hemp Hearts are another excellent source of iron and fiber for your body and every 3 tablespoons are the equivalent of 10 grams of protein.
Nutritional Facts:
Hemp Seeds are often referred to as Hemp Hearts. They are a good source of Calories, Protein, Fat, Carbohydrates, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, and Phosphorus.
Top your salad off with red, juicy bits of Pomegranate. Spread a handful of Pomegranate seeds around your salad for added texture and sweetness. Add more or less according to your liking and for added juiciness in your salad.
Nutritional Facts:
Pomegranate provides important vitamins and minerals and can also boost your fiber intake. It is a good source of Calories, Fat, Sodium, Carbohydrates, Fiber, Sugars, and proteins.
Squeeze a half-sliced lemon around your salad for added sweet-sour taste. Lemon juice is a perfect complement to elevate those other combined flavors in your salad. You can skip that calorie-laden salad dressing just by squeezing in some lemon juice.
Pair your salad with some warm, sliced Pita bread.
Then serve!
Be sure to try a power salad the next time you are looking for a lighter, healthier way to consume the nutrients and protein that your body needs. Take advantage of fresh, locally-grown fruits and veggies when possible, and easily modify the recipe to better suit your likes. But most importantly, enjoy!
