Juggling daily tasks and responsibilities can often amplify our stress levels. One way to counterbalance this is by indulging in simple yet delicious meals that require minimal effort but deliver maximum flavor. Enter the world of hearty salads - the epitome of uncomplicated, enjoyable, nourishing food!
Chickpeas, with their rich protein content and abundant dietary fiber, are the stars of our just better.® Lemon-Pepper Chickpea Salad. This dish brings together the wholesome goodness of chickpeas with classic Mediterranean flavors, elevated by a zesty twist that's sure to captivate your palate.
Beyond its delightful taste, this salad integrates the benefits of just better.® Prebiotic Fiber, amplifying its gut and heart health benefits. Whether it's a relaxed weekend brunch, a quick weeknight dinner, or a nutritious addition to your meal prep routine, this no-stress, heart-healthy salad promises both nourishment and a burst of flavors in every bite.
just better.® Lemon-Pepper Chickpea Salad
Ingredients:
2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 large cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup of diced jicama
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 Tbsp fresh mint, chopped
Zest of 1 lemon
6 Tbsp just better.® Prebiotic Fiber
3 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1-2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for added heat)
Sea Salt to taste
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chickpeas, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, jicama, and red onion.
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, just better.® Prebiotic Fiber, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and season with sea salt as needed.
😀 Pat yourself on the back; you just made a super simple fiber-rich prebiotic vinaigrette! 😉
Pour the vinaigrette over the chickpea mixture, ensuring everything gets a good toss and is well-coated.
Gently fold in the fresh parsley and mint, ensuring they're evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Allow the salad to sit for at least 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator before serving. This marination time lets the flavors meld together beautifully.
Serve as a standalone dish, or pair with grilled protein or crusty whole grain bread for a more substantial meal.
Meal Prep Tip: This salad stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. In fact, it tastes even better the next day! Keep it in airtight containers for a quick, nutritious meal on-the-go!
Wrapping Up
Food is more than just sustenance; it's an experience, a memory-maker, and often, a heart-warmer. Our Zesty Chickpea Salad embodies this philosophy, offering not just nutrition but a burst of flavors that are sure to make it a regular in your culinary repertoire. The best part? Its convenience as a meal-prep option ensures you have a heart-healthy choice ready whenever hunger strikes. So here's to hearty meals that do more than just fill us up, to dishes that tell a story – one of health, well-being, and simple culinary joys. Cheers to health and zestiness rolled into one!
Live just better.®!
If you're enjoying this heart-healthy recipe, you might be curious about the deeper connections between stress, cortisol, blood pressure, and gut health. These interwoven aspects of our well-being play a crucial role in determining our overall health.
Learn more about this complex relationship with our latest blog post, "The Domino Effect: Stress, Blood Pressure, and Digestion." As we shed light on the complexities of our body's response to stress, we offer actionable insights and strategies to empower you on your wellness journey. Don't miss out on unraveling these fascinating links and discovering ways to optimize your body's harmony.
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