Perfectly Balanced Salad Bowl

Salads have become a popular choice for those looking to enjoy a healthy meal without compromising on flavor and texture. One such delightful option is the perfectly balanced salad bowl—a combination of fresh vegetables, proteins, and a zesty dressing that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs.

Ingredients

Here's what you will need for this recipe:

• 4 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine lettuce)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup roasted almonds or walnuts
• 3 oz grilled chicken breast strips (or any protein of your choice)
• 1 avocado, diced

Dressing

To make the dressing:

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• Pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Start by preparing all the vegetables. Wash them thoroughly under running water and cut according to the instructions above.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the greens with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and chopped red onion. Toss gently until well mixed.
3. Add the roasted almonds or walnuts for crunch.
4. Now, add the protein of your choice—grilled chicken strips in this case—but you can use tofu, shrimp, or any other preference.
5. To make a simple yet delicious dressing, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad ingredients, tossing until everything is evenly coated.
6. Lastly, add diced avocado to your bowl just before serving for added freshness. Avocado can quickly brown when exposed to air, so it’s best to add it at the last minute.

Cooking Time: 15 minutes (excluding preparation time)

Servings: 4 portions

Nutritional Benefits

This perfectly balanced salad bowl is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Mixed greens are rich in vitamins A and K, while cherry tomatoes provide a good amount of vitamin C.

• Mixed greens contribute to better digestion due to their high fiber content.
• Avocado adds healthy fats that support brain function and heart health.
• Cucumber aids in hydration and has anti-inflammatory properties.

The dressing made with olive oil provides monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels. Grilled chicken strips add lean protein essential for muscle repair and growth.

Variations

If you want to change things up a bit, here are some delicious variations:

• Avocado Salad Bowl with Grilled Tofu: Substitute the chicken strips with tofu that has been grilled. The tofu will add an extra layer of protein and texture.
• Beet Salad Bowl: Replace some or all of the greens with beets for a vibrant red color, which is rich in folate, manganese, and potassium.
• Fruit Salad Bowl: For a sweeter taste, add sliced apples, pears, or oranges along with the vegetables. This version works especially well if you prefer something less savory.

Storage Tips

This salad can be prepared in advance and stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep the avocado separate until just before consumption to maintain freshness.

• Store the greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion together in an airtight container.
• The dressing should be kept separately as it can make the vegetables soggy if mixed too early.

Conclusion

The perfectly balanced salad bowl is a simple yet nutritious meal that you can customize to suit your preferences. Whether you're looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a light lunch, this dish offers versatility and satisfaction every time. Try it out and see how quickly it becomes one of your favorite meals!

Keyword: perfectly balanced salad bowl