Simple, easy to prepare, yet scrumptious and satisfying – this salad is super versatile and can compliment almost any main dish.
Great for ...
Skin and ageing:
One avocado has the same amount of potassium as 2 – 3 bananas, and is an excellent source of monounsaturated fatty acids – which help protect the skin, and vitamin E, which is a powerful antioxidant that neutralises the oxidant effect of free radical, which are molecules that damage collagen and cause skin dryness, fine lines and wrinkles. The hard skin of the cucumber is rich in fibre and contains a variety of important minerals, including silica (a trace mineral which contributes to the strength of our connective tissues).
Detoxification:
Sunflower, pumpkin seeds and the flesh of the cucumber are packed with minerals which are essential for the detoxication pathways in the liver, such as vitamins C, A, B-vitamins. The monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from olive oil and seeds help excrete toxic conjugates produced from the detoxification processes in the liver.
Ingredients: (Serves 4)
Mixed salad leaves
1 large sliced avocado
1⁄2 large cucumber (crudité shape)
4 tablespoons of toasted tamari pumpkin and sunflower seeds (see below for method)
Dressing: (you will have leftover dressing you can store in the fridge in an airtight container for 2 -3 days for more salads 🙂
1/2 cup olive oil
3 -4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tbsp brown rice malt syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Place all ingredients in a clean jar, and shake until fully combined .
Method
Combine the salad leaves, avocado and cucumber together in a bowl.
Place the seeds in frying pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until golden brown (Keep a close eye on these as they burn easily). Once the seeds are golden brown, take off the heat and shake in 1 tablespoon of Tamari and stir.
Allow to cool and add to salad along with the dressing.