Have you ever been in a situation where you have had more cheat days than permissible and now you feel super bad? You are afraid all that cake binging is going to start showing and have sworn to stick to healthy and nutrient-dense foods? I guess we have all been there at some point. But what many of us don’t realise is healthy eating doesn't have to mean going on a 'boiled veggies only' diet. Yes, it does not have to be boring.
Here are a few exciting salad recipes that take healthy eating to the next level and are easy to make. You can thank me later!
1. Pesto Pasta Salad
Who doesn’t love pasta? And when you make it this healthy, you can indulge in as much as you want without having to go on a guilt trip.
Ingredients
450gms Whole Wheat Pasta
180gms Basil Pesto
340gms Roasted Red Peppers, drained and roughly chopped
1 Small Cup Fresh Mozzarella Cheese, diced
3 Handfuls Fresh Arugula
Method
Cook pasta in salted boiling water. Drain and rinse under cold water for about 20 to 30 seconds to cool it off. Take a large serving bowl and toss the pasta with the remaining ingredients until mixed well. Serve it fresh!
2. Tropical Fruit Salad
This is just the dose of freshness you need!
Ingredients
2cups Pineapple Chunks
1cup Papaya Chunks
2cup Mango Chunks
1cup Kiwi Slices
1cup Raspberries
1/4cup Honey
2tbsps Lime Juice
Mint Sprigs, for garnishing
Lime Slices, for garnishing
Method
Place all the fruit chunks in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice and honey until smooth. Drizzle the dressing over the fruit chunks and toss gently to coat them all. Garnish with mint sprigs and lime slice. Dig in!
3. Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad
A perfect treat for veggie lovers, this simple salad can be made using ingredients that are easily available in your pantry.
Ingredients
6 Tomatoes, cut into wedges
1 Cucumber, cut into slices
1 Large Avocado, pit removed, peeled and chopped
3tbsps Red Onion, thinly sliced
1/4cup Basil, chopped
3tbsps White Balsamic Vinegar
2tbsps Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper, to taste
Method
Place the avocado, cucumber slices, tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl. Sprinkle it with fresh basil. Now, drizzle some vinegar and olive oil over the salad and toss till it mixes well. Lastly, sprinkle salt and pepper. Get ready to hog!
4. Thai Chicken Salad
This salad is so wholesome it can totally double as a side dish and a main dish too. Win-Win!
Ingredients
2 Chicken Breasts, cooked and shredded
2cups Cabbage, chopped
1 Bell Pepper, diced
1/2cup Peanuts, roasted and unsalted
1/2cup Cilantro, chopped
1/4cup Green Onion, chopped
1cup Plain Yoghurt
2tbsps Maple Syrup
3tbsps Vinegar
3/4tsps Salt
1/2tsps Red Pepper Flakes, for seasoning
Method
In a large bowl, add all the above-mentioned ingredients and mix until well combined. Serve in a healthy sandwich with sprouted whole wheat bread or serve cold with quinoa.
Lastly, here’s a hatke cocktail salad recipe for you for when you want to drink your salad instead of eating it.
5. The Refreshing Drink
Want to drink something refreshing and nice? This green cocktail will help you do just that.
Ingredients
30ml Tanqueray London Dry Gin
Half Cucumber
Half Green Apple
1 Celery Stalk
A Handful of Baby Spinach
Ice
Method
Except for the gin and ice, juice the rest of the ingredients. Fill a glass with some ice and pour the contents on top. Add the gin, stir and serve.
So, what are you waiting for? Try these recipes soonest!
*Drink Responsibly!
