Trying to eat more vegan meals is a goal that many people struggle with, as is eating fresh vegetables more frequently. Sometimes it can be hard to find a healthy vegan option that’s actually filling. Still, at other times all you want is something super light as a nutritious snack or as an accompaniment to a more substantial meal. These 2 vegan salads provide the best of both worlds. The dressing is prepared in the bowl, saving you time and effort. Enjoy!
Filling and Nutritious Lentil Mélange
Due to both the protein found in the lentils and chickpeas (the main ingredient in houmous), this salad is substantial enough to eat for a meal all by itself. However, it also works perfectly as a side dish when shared between 2 or more people.
Ingredients:
1 tin of lentils
1 whole cucumber
1 red bell pepper
Houmous
Extra virgin olive oil
Cider vinegar
Ground black pepper
Method:
1. Drain the lentils well and place in a large salad bowl.
2. Wash and chop the cucumber and the red bell pepper, careful to remove pith and seeds from the latter. Add these ingredients to the bowl.
3. Spoon on 2 or 3 generous tablespoons of hummus.
4. Add three teaspoons of olive oil and half a capful of cider vinegar.
5. Grind over some black pepper, mix well, and serve.
Light and Peppery Simple Spinach Salad
Great as a side dish or a quick snack, this simple salad is perfect for hot summer days. Seasonings can be adjusted to suit your personal palate – why not get creative and experiment with different herbs and spices?
Ingredients:
1 bag pre-washed baby spinach leaves
Extra virgin olive oil
Lemon juice
Hot pepper sauce
Ground black pepper
Pine nuts
Method:
1. Place the spinach in a large salad bowl.
2. Drizzle over 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
3. Add half a teaspoon of lemon juice – bottled or freshly squeezed, either is fine.
4. Carefully add a few drops of hot pepper sauce.
5. Throw in a small handful of pine nuts, and grind some black pepper over the bowl.
6. Mix thoroughly and serve.
