Perfectly Balanced Salad for a Quick Meal

In today’s busy world, people often find themselves in search of quick yet delicious meals that can be prepared with minimal effort. One such meal is the perfectly balanced salad, which serves as an excellent option for those who want to incorporate more vegetables into their diet without spending too much time in the kitchen.

A well-prepared salad not only satisfies your hunger but also provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals necessary for good health. This recipe focuses on creating a salad that is both nutritious and easy to make, ideal for lunch or dinner when you're short on time.

Ingredients

• 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ cup of sliced cucumber
• 1 avocado, pitted and sliced thinly
• 1 hard-boiled egg, diced finely
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste

The key to a perfectly balanced salad lies in choosing ingredients that complement each other well. Lettuce provides crispness and freshness, tomatoes add sweetness and acidity, cucumber brings a cooling effect, avocado offers healthy fats, eggs provide protein, and olive oil ensures you get some good fat.

Instructions

1. Start by washing all the vegetables thoroughly under running water. Chop the romaine lettuce into small pieces so they are easily manageable for eating.
2. Quarter the cherry tomatoes and slice the cucumber thinly to ensure even distribution in the salad.
3. Pit and slice the avocado, then arrange it on top of other ingredients as a garnish. You can also mix the avocado slices with some lemon juice to prevent browning if you plan to make this salad ahead of time.
4. Boil an egg until hard-boiled. Once done, cool it under cold running water and peel it. Dice the egg finely for better texture in your salad.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
6. Combine all the prepared ingredients into a large bowl. Pour over the dressing and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

Cooking Time & Number of Servings

This recipe takes approximately 15 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy schedules. It serves two people generously, ensuring everyone gets a healthy portion without any waste.

Nutritional Benefits

The perfectly balanced salad is rich in fiber due to its high vegetable content. Romaine lettuce alone contains about 1 gram of dietary fiber per cup, while avocados contribute monounsaturated fats that help control cholesterol levels and support heart health. Eggs add essential amino acids which are important for muscle repair and growth.

Red wine vinegar used in this salad has antioxidants known to improve cognitive functions and reduce risks of certain cancers. Olive oil provides oleic acid, a type of fat that can decrease bad LDL cholesterol and increase good HDL cholesterol levels, promoting cardiovascular health.

Conclusion

A perfectly balanced salad isn't just about combining various ingredients; it's also about understanding how different flavors work together to create harmony. This simple yet thoughtful dish showcases the beauty of simplicity in cooking while delivering a satisfying meal packed with nutrients essential for your daily intake.

To maximize flavor and nutrition, consider varying leafy greens based on what’s available seasonally or locally produced; experimenting with different types of vinegar can also enhance taste significantly. Enjoy this delightful creation whenever you need a quick yet wholesome option!