Perfectly Balanced Salad for a Nutritious Start

Keyword: balanced salad

A perfectly balanced salad is more than just a light and refreshing meal; it serves as an excellent foundation for a healthy diet, ensuring that you get the necessary nutrients to start your day. This type of salad provides a variety of vitamins, minerals, and fibers in one dish, making it ideal for anyone looking to improve their health. Whether you're preparing breakfast or lunch, incorporating a balanced salad into your daily routine can be incredibly beneficial.

The cooking time for this recipe is minimal due to the simplicity of ingredients and preparation; most elements do not require any cooking at all. The total prep time should take approximately 15-20 minutes from start to finish. This makes it a convenient option for busy mornings or quick lunch breaks.

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced on the bias
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup cooked quinoa (cooked ahead and cooled)
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds
• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Olive oil for dressing
• Salt and pepper to taste

Dressing:

1. Mix together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and ground black pepper.

Begin by washing the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold running water. Once cleaned, tear it into bite-sized pieces, making sure to remove any wilted or discolored leaves. Lay them out on a plate and set aside while you prepare the other ingredients.

While the lettuce is resting, halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the cucumber diagonally for an attractive presentation, which will also help in evenly distributing the slices throughout your salad. Finely chop the red onion to release its natural sugars. You can do this in a food processor or by hand; either way works perfectly well.

Next, add the cooked quinoa to the lettuce on the plate. Sprinkle half of the slivered almonds over it, followed by half of the feta cheese. Finally, toss everything together gently with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed. It's important not to overwork the salad as this could cause the vegetables and fruits to become mushy.

For the dressing, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, a pinch of salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. Pour the dressing over the top of your salad and toss again gently but thoroughly so that all components are well coated.

Taste the salad; if you think it needs more seasoning, feel free to add additional salt or pepper as needed. The lemon zest adds a bright citrus flavor that complements the other flavors in the dish nicely. Serve immediately for best results – enjoy your perfectly balanced meal!

Benefits of Balanced Salad

Eating a well-balanced salad contributes significantly toward maintaining good health. Here are some key benefits:

• Vitamin and Mineral Intake:** A variety of vegetables in the salad provides essential vitamins like Vitamin C, K, and folate, along with important minerals such as potassium.
• Fiber Richness:** Fiber aids digestion, supports heart health, and helps maintain a healthy weight by promoting satiety.
• Protein Content:** Quinoa adds significant protein content to the salad without being heavy or overwhelming. It also promotes muscle repair after exercise.
• Healthy Fats:** Almonds contribute beneficial fats that support brain function, skin health, and bone strength when consumed regularly.