CHICKPEA AND SPINACH SALAD WITH LIME CILANTRO DRESSING
Chickpea and Spinach Salad with Lime Cilantro Dressing is a vibrant and nutritious dish that combines the goodness of chickpeas, fresh spinach, and a zesty lime cilantro dressing. This salad is not only delicious but also an excellent choice for those looking to lose weight as it is low in calories and packed with fiber and essential nutrients.
The combination of chickpeas and spinach provides a good dose of plant-based protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied. The lime cilantro dressing adds a tangy and refreshing flavor to the salad, making it a delightful and healthy option for any meal of the day.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, diced
- Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish
- Lime wedges for serving
For the Lime Cilantro Dressing:
- Juice of 2 limes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, spinach leaves, cucumber, red onion, and tomato.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, chopped cilantro, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until all the ingredients are well coated.
- Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves.
- Serve the salad with lime wedges on the side.
TIPS
Add more vegetables: Feel free to add additional vegetables of your choice to the salad, such as bell peppers, shredded carrots, or avocado. This will increase the fiber content and provide more vitamins and minerals.
Make it a meal: If you want to make the salad a complete meal, you can add cooked quinoa or brown rice to increase the carbohydrate content and make it more filling.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the salad in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
Customize the dressing: Adjust the sweetness and tanginess of the dressing according to your taste preferences. You can add more lime juice or honey/maple syrup as desired.
Experiment with herbs and spices: Feel free to add other herbs and spices to the dressing, such as garlic, ginger, or cumin, to give it an Indian twist.
Stay hydrated: Remember to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated and support your weight loss goals.
NUTRITION VALUE
- Calories: XXX
- Protein: XXX grams
- Carbohydrates: XXX grams
- Fat: XXX grams
- Fiber: XXX grams
