Hearty fasting salad

Filling Lent Salad: An Explosion of Taste and Nutrition

Are you looking for a quick and delicious recipe, perfect for fasting days or for moments when you want to enjoy a light yet hearty meal? The filling lent salad is the ideal choice! This salad combines fresh and healthy ingredients, offering you not only a fantastic taste but also excellent nutritional value. Let’s embark on this adventure of preparing this simple yet flavorful recipe together!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 2-4, depending on individual appetite

Ingredients

To make a filling and delicious salad, you will need the following ingredients:

- 1 bunch of green lettuce (approximately 150-200 g)
- 200 g sherry tomatoes (or another type of cherry tomatoes, depending on your preferences)
- 150 g tofu cheese (or feta cheese if you are not strictly fasting)
- 250 g cooked beans (you can use canned beans for speed)
- 3-4 tablespoons of grape oil (for a light and delicate flavor)
- 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with honey (or plain, depending on your preferences)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Ingredient Details

- Green lettuce: Choose fresh, crispy lettuce that provides a good source of vitamins. Romaine or iceberg lettuce are excellent options.
- Sherry tomatoes: These tomatoes have a sweet flavor and are very juicy. You can also use regular cherry tomatoes or garden tomatoes, diced.
- Tofu cheese: Provides a source of plant-based protein, making it ideal for a vegan diet. Tofu can be replaced with feta cheese for a creamier option.
- Cooked beans: An excellent source of protein and fiber. You can use any type of beans: white, red, or black.
- Grape oil: A light oil with a delicate flavor that will not overpower the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Apple cider vinegar: Adds a note of acidity that balances the flavors of the salad. Honey vinegar adds a subtle sweetness.

Preparing the Salad

1. Wash and prepare the lettuce: Start by washing the lettuce leaves under cold running water. Remove wilted or damaged leaves. Then, tear the lettuce into smaller pieces and place it in a large bowl.

2. Prepare the tomatoes: Wash the sherry tomatoes and cut them in half or quarters, depending on their size. Add them to the salad.

3. Add the beans and cheese: If using canned beans, make sure to rinse them well to remove excess sodium. Add the cooked beans to the salad bowl, along with the tofu cheese cut into cubes.

4. Prepare the dressing: In a small container, mix the grape oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. You can add 1-2 tablespoons of water to dilute the dressing, making it easier to combine with the salad.

5. Mix everything: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss so that all the ingredients are evenly coated.

6. Serve the salad: You can enjoy the filling salad on its own, or serve it alongside fresh bread or toasted pita pieces for added crunch.

Practical Tips

- Vary the ingredients: You can add other vegetables, such as cucumbers or bell peppers, to diversify the salad. You can also replace tofu cheese with avocado for a creamier option.
- Maintain freshness: If you don’t consume all the salad at once, keep the dressing separate to avoid soggy ingredients.
- Personalize the dressing: Add fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional Benefits

This salad is not only tasty but also extremely nutritious. Green lettuce is rich in vitamins A and C, tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, and beans are an excellent source of plant protein and fiber, beneficial for digestion. Tofu cheese adds a protein boost, making this salad an ideal choice for vegans and vegetarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of beans? Absolutely! You can experiment with different types of beans, such as black or red beans.
- How can I make the salad spicier? Add a dash of hot pepper or chili flakes to the dressing for an extra kick.
- Is it suitable for a holiday meal? Absolutely! This salad can be a perfect accompaniment to various grilled dishes.

Serving Suggestions

This filling lent salad pairs wonderfully with freshly made lemonade or iced green tea. It is also an excellent accompaniment to grilled dishes, such as vegetables or veggie burgers.

Enjoy every bite of this filling lent salad, full of healthy ingredients and delicious flavors! Bon appétit!