Like many, I want my family to be healthy. I want them to eat healthy, sleep enough, keep stress levels down and enjoy every moment of life. Now of course, some things are out of my control...except one. What they eat. This being said, one of the ways I ensure they eat well throughout the day is to always have nutritious and easily accessible lunch options in the fridge. This week, I came up with a salad recipe that is not only healthy but satisfying…and my husband approves. I thought I should share it with you in case you too are struggling to get your family to love salad.

This salad is packed with nutritious value and taste but unlike some other salads it contains a high amount of protein from the beans, making it quite satisfying and keeping you (or your family) fuller for longer. I usually pack this salad with a sprout bun or fresh bread on the side and dip it in the leftover dressing. Whichever way you decide to have it, for lunch or for dinner, I promise you – it really is husband approved. 

This salad is ready in 15 minutes and has a great Mediterranean spin… I call it “The Satisfying Salad.”

INGREDIENTS

2 pints of cherry tomatoes – sliced in half, length wise
1 large cucumber – sliced into wedges
100 g of goat-feta cheese – crumbled
3 tbsp. black or green olives (optional) 
1 cup of mixed beans (freshly cooked or, organic canned) 
6 sprigs of fresh parsley – chopped
2 sprigs of fresh basil – chopped
1 large lemon – juiced
½ cup of olive oil
1 tsp. dried oregano
2 tbsp. white wine vinegar
½ tsp. black pepper
½ tsp. sea salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, feta cheese, parsley, basil, beans (and olives if you wish) into a large salad bowl and toss.
2. In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing by combining the olive oil, white wine vinegar, dried oregano, pepper, salt and lemon juice.
3. Whisk dressing for about a minute until a semi-thick consistency is formed.
4. Pour over salad and serve. Or, if you plan to pack this for lunch, I recommend putting the dressing in a small container until you are ready to indulge – to keep the salad fresh and crisp.