Elevate Your Mealtime with a Protein-Packed Salad

Prepare to be astounded as we dive into the world of vibrant flavors and wholesome goodness that awaits in a seemingly simple dish—the High Protein Vegetarian Salad. Bid farewell to the notion that salads are nothing more than a lackluster plate of greens. Brace yourself for an explosion of flavors, a myriad of textures, and a nutritional powerhouse that will revitalize your body and soul.

Today, I am delighted to share with you a delightful high-protein salad recipe that will tantalize your taste buds, inspire your creativity, and leave you feeling refreshed and satiated.

What is high protein vegetarian salad?

At the core of this salad lies a formidable army of protein-rich ingredients that will fuel your body with the strength it craves.

The Foundation: High-Protein Goodness:

Say hello to the magnificent “black” chickpeas (which are actually brown and also called kala chana), as they will serve as the backbone of your protein-packed creation.

But we won’t stop there! We’ll further enhance the protein content with the inclusion of nourishing sprouted green moong lentils, elevating this salad to a whole new level of nutrition!

Ingredients At A Glance

Black Chickpeas/Kaka Chana – This is available online and in Indian grocery stores. Great source of Vitamin B complex.

Sprouted Green Moong Lentils – High in plant protein these are ridiculously easy to sprout. Sprouting beans increases nutrition and great for gut health.

Paneer or Indian Cottage Cheese – Paneer is extremely beneficial to the diet because it has a relatively high quantity of fat, protein, and several minerals, including calcium and phosphorus. You can substitute paneer with tofu.

Add-ons – I have added onions, tomatoes, and freshly chopped coriander leaves for veggies.

Crunchy topping – Whole or crushed roasted peanuts.

Seasonings – I add a combination of black salt and black pepper. You can use regular salt.

Chaat Masala – Chaat masala adds a complex blend of spicy, tangy, and sweet tastes.

Lemon – The tangy taste of the salad is what makes it even more fascinating.

Let’s Make High-Protein Vegetarian Salad

The Foundation: High-Protein Goodness

At the core of this salad lies a formidable army of protein-rich ingredients that will fuel your body with the strength it craves. Say hello to the magnificent “black” chickpeas, also known as kala chana. This will serve as the backbone of your protein-packed creation.

Soak the chickpeas, and green moong overnight in two separate larger-sized bowls as these will increase in size overnight. Drain the water the next morning and keep the chickpeas and lentils aside, covered till you’re ready to make your salad.

Symphony of Flavors:

Let’s talk about the tantalizing medley of flavors that awaits you in this high-protein feast.

The vibrancy of fresh onions lends a subtle tang, while the succulent tomatoes add a burst of juiciness to every bite. For those with a fondness for a hint of spice, green chilies stand ready to deliver that delightful kick. And of course, no salad is complete without the unmistakable aroma of freshly chopped coriander, adding a refreshing earthiness that ties the entire dish together

Adding the finishing touches:

Every great dish needs that extra something. In this case, we sprinkle in the exquisite crunch of roasted peanuts, providing a satisfying texture that elevates the salad to new heights.

A pinch of black salt, a dash of black pepper, a sprinkle of chaat masala, and a generous squeeze of tangy lemon juice serve as the secret weapons, harmonizing the flavors and awakening your taste buds in a symphony of deliciousness.

The Plant-Based Alternative:

For my vegan friends, fear not! Out goes the paneer, and in comes the versatile tofu, ready to dazzle your taste buds and provide a vegan protein source that will keep you energized. YOu can add the tofu fresh or shallow fry it before adding it.

So whether you’re committed to a plant-based lifestyle or simply want to explore vegan options, this salad has you covered!

A Few Pro Tips for High-Protein Vegetarian Salad

Enhance Your Salad with Homemade Sprouted Green Moong Lentils:

If you’re up for a nutritious twist and a gut-friendly addition to your salad, why not try incorporating sprouted green moong lentils? Sprouting lentils not only increases their nutritional value but also adds a delightful crunch and texture to your salad. Keep in mind that this option requires some pre-planning, as you’ll need to have sprouted green moong lentils ready to go.

Here’s a simple guide to sprouting green moong lentils at home:

Preparing the Green Moong Lentils:

• Start by soaking the green moong lentils in water overnight, allowing them to hydrate and soften.
• The following day, drain the water from the lentils.
• Place the soaked lentils in a bowl and cover them.
• Keep the bowl in an unheated oven or any warm spot, as sprouting requires a slightly humid environment.

Sprouting the Lentils:

• Check the lentils after about a day. You should start to see tiny sprouts emerging from the lentils.
• If needed, lightly sprinkle some water over the lentils to maintain the required humidity for sprouting.
• Continue to keep the lentils in a warm place and monitor their sprouting.

Once the lentils have sprouted, you can incorporate them into your salad creation. The sprouted green moong lentils will add an extra boost of freshness, nutrients, and fiber to your dish.

Note: Remember to source quality lentils and follow proper food safety guidelines throughout the sprouting process.

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