Stop right there! Do not click off because you simply read the word ‘salad’. As this salad recipe is most definitely not like all the others out there in recipe land (I promise)! My salad recipe here is not boring and stuffed with reams of lettuce for starters. So much lettuce that you can hardly see any of the other ingredients in there. This is my worst kind of salad I am describing here but today I want to share with you my favourite kind of salad to make that is quick to make, super filling and super tasty too!
Make Friends With Your Good Gut Bacteria
Every ingredient in this salad contains lots of fibre, and this is the part that helps to boost your digestive health. The reason being your good bacteria that reside in there utterly love fibre, as it is from eating this that they can go on and repopulate. Which means your digestive tract and other places where good bacteria live, such as the skin and mouth, will all have more of the good bacteria and less of the negative bacteria helping you feel better in a multitude of ways.
If you do not eat very many vegetables, then the chances are your own unique microbiome might not be very happy. And an unhappy microbiome can cause more than just digestive discomfort, such as mental health problems, diabetes, obesity, allergies, asthma to eczema. It’s pretty interesting stuff that just by keeping our friendly bacteria in good check, the rest of our health has the potential to reach impeccable heights!
And a great place to do that without costly supplements if your budget is tight, is to invest in more vegetables (organic where possible). Also, if you are keen to naturally keep your gut bacteria healthy and prevent or manage gut problems that arise, then avoiding alcohol, antibiotics and stress should also be apart of your strategy, as all of these can reduce the levels of good bacteria that populate our bodies.
Reduce Unhealthy Snacking
Another bonus from eating all of this fibre rich food is that it will fill you up easily. Helping you to be less likely to snack on unhealthy snacks out of feeling hungry. And hangry is never a good look on anyone!
Love Chickpeas & They Will Love You Back
Chickpeas are what really make this salad in my opinion, which are a huge healthy diet staple in my house! Here are three reasons you need more chickpeas in your weekly diet:
- Two Beneficial Types of Fibre – Chickpeas contain both soluble and insoluble fibre. Soluble fibre turns into a gel like substance in the digestive tract which helps to catch bile (which contains cholesterol too) and helps to transport it out of the body. Also, insoluble fibre can help prevent digestive disorders, increase stool bulk and prevent constipation.
- Rich in Vegan Protein – Chickpeas contain a good amount of protein, and when combined with a wholegrain like brown rice, they become a complete protein which will provide you with as good a protein comparable to that from animal sources.
- Iron Boost – Chickpeas are rich in the vital mineral iron, which is a key component of hemoglobin that helps transport oxygen from the lungs to all body cells. Women who are menstruating, pregnant or breastfeeding are the most vulnerable to low iron levels.
What I love to do is make this good bug boosting salad in bulk, and then store some in the fridge for the next day. Then mixed with any left over animal protein I may have, like chicken breast slices or organic turkey sausages, it makes a quick lunch time or dinner meal I can grab if time is short.
Serves: 2-4 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 0 Minutes (it’s raw nutrition at it’s best!)
You Will Need:
- A few sprigs of organic curley parsley
- 2 large organic tomatoes or half a punnet of cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium size organic red onion
- half an organic cucumber
- 1 packet of chickpeas in water (rinsed)
For the homemade dressing:
- Juice of 1 organic lemon
- 2 tbl spoons of organic apple cider vinegar
- a dash of organic olive oil (optional)
How to Make:
- Chop all the ingredients finely (except the lemon), and mix together in a bowl.
- Squeeze the juice of one whole lemon into a cup, and to it add 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with a dash of organic olive oil if you prefer a slightly richer dressing. Give it a little stir and then throw all over your salad, mix it though properly then enjoy!
Serve with a side of wild salmon, or organic chicken breasts – both glazed with a homemade pesto. Or just eat a big bowl full on it’s own as it’s that delicious!
