Simple Salads

Today’s post is a few simple ideas for quick salads to make and keep in the fridge. Sometimes we just need some inspiration to make a change!!

I love to prepare these, and have lots of options for healthy lunches and snacks for a couple of days! I find it is a great way to keep the diet varied, as we can easily slip into habits of having the same thing everyday for lunch etc. Even if it healthy, variety is important!

My favourite thing is to have a colourful plate so I try to use lots of bright, vibrant vegetables! Here are a few of my favourites…

1.Broccoli and Avocado

Simple really. Chop up broccoli ( I leave it raw, but you could lightly steam if preferred) and avocado and throw in a bowl. Add the juice of half a lemon, and 1 tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar and toss. The lemon juice and vinegar are important to try to keep the avocado from going brown. The fats in avocaodo turn quite quickly, so this salad is best eaten fresh or within a day. Alternatively, you could prepare the broccoli and add avocado before eating.

2.Beetroot and Carrot with Chia

I love using beetroot to really bring some colour in! Raw beetroot can be chopped into small cubes. Grate/spiralise carrots and add to beetroot. Add ACV to help keep fresh, and give more flavour. Add chia seeds for omega 3 fats. I also like to add red onion to this combination.

3.Cranberry, Walnut and Quinoa

Cook quinoa (like rice, 2:1 water to quinoa…simmer for ten minutes). Allow to cool for a few minutes and add dried cranberries and chopped walnuts. Pomegranate seeds are good here too. Yummy!

4. Bulgar Wheat, Cucumber and Tomato

This is like a tabbouleh really. You could use cous-cous, bulgar or even quinoa. Add chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes and red onion. Nice additions to this are parsley and chopped peppers.

I tend to use Apple Cider Vinegar (organic, with ‘the mother’ eg. Braggs) to help keep my salads fresh. It also makes a great dressing, add a tablespoon to olive oil and add a clove of garlic (chopped), and let sit so flavours can release.

I usually mix and match with these salads and add them to a base of green leaves, and often top with hummus! The addition of a healthy grain to your salad can really help to make it a more satisfying meal. Brown rice, wild rice, quinoa and millet are all good options if you are avoiding wheat!

Hope you enjoy!

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