Perfectly Balanced Dinner Salad Recipe

In today's busy world, finding a quick yet satisfying dinner can be quite the challenge. One of the best solutions is creating a perfectly balanced dinner salad that not only provides essential nutrients but also leaves you feeling full and satisfied. This recipe will help you achieve just that with a mix of fresh vegetables, proteins, healthy fats, and a simple dressing.

The key to making this meal delightful lies in its simplicity yet the rich flavor it brings together. By combining crisp lettuce with crunchy nuts, tangy fruits, and protein-rich seeds or grains, you get all your essential vitamins and minerals plus a satisfying texture that makes each bite enjoyable. To elevate the taste, adding a dressing made from olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and lemon juice does wonders.

Ingredients

• Cos lettuce (for 4 servings)
• Celery stalks (2 for garnish)
• Raisins or dried cranberries (a handful)
• Pecan halves (or any nut of your choice; 30g)
• Chopped walnuts (1 tablespoon, optional)
• Quinoa (optional but recommended; 50g for this recipe)
• Cooked chicken or turkey breast (about 1/2 a piece per person)
• Balsamic vinegar
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook quinoa as per package instructions. If you choose not to use it, ensure your chicken is fully cooked.
2. Wash the cos lettuce and remove any damaged leaves. Cut the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the lettuce on a large serving platter or individual plates.
3. Slice the celery stalks lengthwise for garnish. Place these at the edge of each plate as decoration.
4. Add chopped pecans, walnuts (optional), and raisins/cranberries over the salad greens. Ensure they are evenly distributed for a beautiful presentation and to avoid clumping.
5. Cooked chicken or turkey breast should be finely sliced into thin strips and added on top of the salad mixture. This adds both visual appeal and protein content, ensuring your meal is balanced.
6. Prepare the dressing by combining balsamic vinegar (about 2 tablespoons), extra virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons), lemon juice (a tablespoon or to taste), salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients until well combined.
7. Pour the dressing over the salad just before serving; this keeps your greens fresh longer. You may also serve it on the side for those who prefer dressing their salads individually.
8. Top with fresh parsley leaves and garnish with chopped walnuts, if you have added them earlier as an optional ingredient.
9. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness of each component.

Cooking Time and Servings

This dinner salad recipe is quick and easy to prepare. From start to finish, it typically takes around 15-20 minutes. Each serving can be enjoyed by a single person or shared among friends. The exact portion size depends on individual preferences but each serves about two cups of salad per person.

Why This Salad Recipe?

This balanced dinner salad is perfect for those looking to incorporate more greens and proteins into their diet without compromising taste or convenience. It’s an excellent option for anyone following a healthy lifestyle, whether you're trying to lose weight or simply want nutritious meals that are easy to prepare.

Health Benefits

The inclusion of various ingredients ensures this salad provides several health benefits:

• Cos lettuce: Rich in fiber and low in calories, it supports digestive health and helps you feel full for longer.
• Nuts (pecans and walnuts): These are excellent sources of healthy fats that support brain function and heart health.
• Raisins/cranberries: Provide natural sugars along with essential antioxidants, helping to maintain energy levels and combat oxidative stress.
• Chicken or turkey breast: Adds lean protein crucial for muscle repair and growth as well as supporting metabolism.
• Balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil: These add flavor while providing beneficial monounsaturated fats known to reduce inflammation and improve heart health.

Remember, the key to a healthy lifestyle lies in balance – not just between meals but within each meal. Incorporate this perfectly balanced dinner salad into your weekly routine for delicious and nutritious dining experiences!