Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying meal? Look no further! This vibrant vegan chopped salad is packed with fresh vegetables, crunchy textures, and a zesty lemon-tahini dressing that will leave you wanting more. It's the perfect healthy meal for a busy weeknight, a light lunch, or a potluck contribution. This recipe is easily customizable, making it a versatile addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and delicious dishes. Get ready to experience the best of homemade cooking with this simple yet stunning salad!
Ingredients:
This vibrant salad calls for simple, fresh ingredients readily available at your local grocery store.
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For the Salad:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped cucumber
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup shelled edamame, cooked
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
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For the Lemon-Tahini Dressing:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
This recipe is designed for ease and speed, making it ideal for those busy weeknights craving a healthy dinner.
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Prep the Veggies: Wash and chop all the vegetables according to the ingredient list. Prepare the chickpeas and edamame. Having everything prepped beforehand will make the assembly a breeze.
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Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, lemon juice, water, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Add more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
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Combine and Toss: In a large bowl, combine all the prepared vegetables, chickpeas, edamame, parsley, and mint. Pour the lemon-tahini dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately or chill for later. This salad is even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld together in the refrigerator.
Tips for the Best Vegan Chopped Salad:
- Customize it: Feel free to add other vegetables you enjoy, such as shredded cabbage, avocado, or spinach. Roasted sweet potatoes or beets would also add delicious depth of flavor.
- Make it ahead: The salad and dressing can be prepared separately ahead of time and combined just before serving. This is a great option for meal prepping.
- Adjust the dressing: If you prefer a thinner dressing, add more water. For a thicker dressing, use less water. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices to customize the flavor.
- Add protein: To increase the protein content, add some toasted nuts, seeds, or crumbled tempeh.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on a 4-serving recipe and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350
- Protein: Approximately 15g
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
- Fiber: Approximately 10g
This vegan chopped salad is a fantastic example of a healthy meal that's both quick and delicious. It's a perfect quick dinner idea, ideal for those seeking easy recipes without compromising on taste or nutrition. Enjoy!