Nutty Citrus Crunch Salad
Best Time For Take
- Lunch
- Dinner
Serves 2
Time:30 mins
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup jaggery powder
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup cashews, soaked
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon rock salt
Salad Base
- 1 Cup small-chopped tomato
- 1/2 cup small-chopped radish
- 1/2 cup small-chopped carrot
- 1 1/2 cups small-chopped capsicum
- 1 1/4 cups small chopped cucumber
- 1 1/2 cups torn spinach or kalmi saag (water spinach)
Topping
- 1/4 cup peanuts, roasted and crushed
Soak in Advance
Soak 1/2 cup of cashews in water for 6 hours.
Method
- For the dressing, heat a pot. Add the jaggery powder and water. Cook on low to medium flame for 3 to 4 minutes, Switch off the stove and set the jaggery syrup aside to cool.
- Place all the remaining ingredients of the dressing, along with the jaggery syrup, into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Place the salad base ingredients, except the spinach, into a mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over, and stir.
- Place the spinach on a serving plate, and add the salad-based ingredients. Top with roasted and crushed peanuts, and serve.
Benefits of the Salad:
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The salad contains a variety of vegetables like tomatoes, radishes, carrots, capsicum, and cucumber, providing a range of essential vitamins and minerals for overall health.
- High in Antioxidants: The dressing, with its combination of jaggery, lemon juice, and orange juice, is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body, potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
- Healthy Fats: The cashews and peanuts in the salad contribute healthy fats, specifically monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
- Iron and Calcium Source: Spinach and kalmi saag are excellent sources of iron and calcium, essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing iron deficiency.
- Digestive Aid: The combination of fiber from the vegetables and the digestive benefits of jaggery can promote healthy digestion and prevent constipation.
- Natural Sweetener: Jaggery serves as a natural sweetener in the dressing, providing a sweet taste without the refined sugars. This can be beneficial for those looking to reduce their refined sugar intake.
- Protein Boost: The addition of cashews and peanuts adds a protein boost to the salad, making it a satisfying and nutritious meal or side dish.
- Vibrant Flavor Profile: The crushed peppercorns in the dressing contribute not only to the salad’s flavor but also offer potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.
Overall, the Nutty Citrus Crunch Salad is a flavorful and nutritionally dense dish that can contribute to a well-balanced and health-conscious diet.
December 7, 2023
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