Delicious & Nutritious: Try Our Perfect Protein Salad Recipe

Picture this: it’s a warm summer day and you’re hosting a gathering for your friends and family. You want to serve something fresh, healthy and delicious, but you also want it to be filling and satisfying. That’s where my PCC Perfect Protein Salad Recipe comes in.

This salad is not your ordinary dish – it’s packed with protein and full of flavor, making it the perfect addition to any meal or party. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a healthy recipe, this salad fits the bill.

What makes this salad so special? It’s all about the ingredients. I carefully selected each one to ensure that it not only tastes amazing but is also loaded with nutrients. Garbanzo beans, spelt berries, green peppers, red onions, cucumbers, parsley, celery and carrots are just some of the delicious ingredients you’ll find in this salad recipe.

Plus, this is a recipe from PCC Community Markets – a local grocer ranked among the top 3 salad markets in the city! With over 120 recipes that feature colorful and seasonal food options, PCC is our go-to spot for all things fresh and healthy. So why not celebrate their happy birthday by trying their chickpea salad recipe? It’s the perfect dish to bring to any picnic, potluck or gathering!

So get ready to impress your guests with the PCC Perfect Protein Salad Recipe. Not only is it packed with protein, but it’s also bursting with flavor that will make everyone come back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Trust me – this salad recipe will soon become a staple at all your future gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you in search of a delicious and healthy salad recipe that is easy to make and packed with protein? Look no further than the PCC Perfect Protein Salad Recipe! This salad is perfect for vegetarians or anyone looking to incorporate more protein into their diet.

The garbanzo beans and spelt berries in this salad provide a perfect protein combination that will leave you feeling energized and satiated. You’ll love the nutty flavor and chewy texture of the spelt berries, which are cooked to perfection in just 30 minutes. And the garbanzo beans add a creamy texture that perfectly complements the crisp vegetables.

But it’s not all about the protein in this salad – it’s also packed with fresh, flavorful ingredients like diced cucumbers, celery, carrots, red onions, and green onions. The herbs in this salad – parsley, dried basil, dried dill, and garlic cloves – provide an irresistible aroma and taste sensation that will leave you wanting more.

Plus, this salad is incredibly versatile. It makes a great side dish for any meal or can be perfect on its own as a light lunch or snack. The lemon juice, cider vinegar, and mayonnaise dressing adds a tangy kick that perfectly balances the flavors of the veggies.

The PCC Perfect Protein Salad Recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. With only 210 calories per serving and jam-packed full of nutrients like fiber, iron, Vitamin C, and potassium, this salad is perfect for anyone who wants to eat healthily without sacrificing taste.

In short: if you want a flavorful and healthy salad option packed with protein that everyone will enjoy – look no further than the PCC Perfect Protein Salad Recipe.

Ingredient List

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this mouthwatering Perfect Protein Salad recipe:

• 3 cups cooked spelt berries
• 2 cans of garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 medium red onion, diced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 carrot, diced
• 1 English cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
• 2 cups chopped parsley
• 4 stalks of celery, sliced
• 4 green onions, sliced

For the dressing:

• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of one lemon
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried dill

Pro tip: You can find all these ingredients in your local grocer or PCC Community Markets.

The Recipe How-To

Now let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of this recipe – the step-by-step process to creating the perfect protein salad that will have your guests’ taste buds exploding with flavor!

Step 1: Cook spelt berries and garbanzo beans

In a pot, combine 3 cups of water and 1 cup of spelt berries. Bring them to a boil and then reduce the heat, allowing it to simmer for 50-60 minutes until tender but not mushy. Drain any remaining water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.

Next, rinse 2 cans (14 ounces each) of garbanzo beans with cold water and mix them with cooked spelt berries in the same large mixing bowl. Be sure to drain all excess water.

Step 2: Prepare vegetables

Dice 1 green pepper, 1 red onion, 1 English cucumber peeled seeded and diced, and 1 carrot. Be mindful of the sizes when dicing as you want all ingredients to be roughly similar in size. Then chop 4 stalks of celery into bite-sized pieces. Finally, rinse and drain 1 can (15 ounces) of corn kernels.

Step 3: Seasoning

Add the freshly prepared vegetables, corn kernels, diced garbanzo beans, spelt berries, celery, carrots, red onions and green onions into the large mixing bowl containing garbanzo beans and spelt berries. Next, add ½ cup of mayonnaise, juice from 1 lemon, ¼ cup of apple cider vinegar, 2 garlic cloves (minced), a pinch of dried basil and dried dill, and salt & pepper to taste.

Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. You can add or subtract any seasoning according to your own preference!

Step 4: Final touches

Finally, garnish your salad with freshly chopped parsley leaves as well as optional diced red peppers for an added pop of color.

You did it! Your protein salad is now ready to be served at your next picnic or birthday party. It’s perfect as a side dish or main course for vegetarians alike. This salad contains an impressive 24 g of protein per serving, making it truly lives up to its name as a perfect protein salad!

Substitutions and Variations

Whether your taste buds crave something different or you lack certain ingredients, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can explore with this perfect protein salad recipe. You can mix and match vegetables, herbs, and spices to create a personalized version that fits your dietary preferences and lifestyle.

For instance, if you prefer a spicier touch, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the salad. If you love the sweetness of carrots but don’t have them on hand, diced bell peppers or cherry tomatoes can make an excellent alternative.

For a gluten-free version, substitute spelt berries for brown rice or quinoa. These grains have similar nutritional profiles and hearty textures that complement the beans and vegetables.

As for the herbs, try swapping dried basil for oregano or rosemary, or use fresh mint or cilantro instead of parsley. You can also add some lemon zest to the dressing for extra tangy flavor.

If you want to elevate the protein content even more, consider adding cooked chicken breast cubes or hard-boiled eggs to the salad. They pair well with the garbanzo beans and add a satisfying texture to every bite.

Overall, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and proportions until you find the perfect combination that satisfies your cravings. The beauty of this protein salad recipe is its versatility and adaptability.

Serving and Pairing

This perfect protein salad recipe is not only tasty but also versatile. It can be served as a main dish or a side dish for lunch, dinner or even a picnic. The salad can be paired with various foods, depending on your preference.

If you’re looking for a light meal, this salad could be paired with warm bread or crackers. The salad’s tangy and slightly sweet flavor also pairs nicely with grilled fish or chicken. Another delicious pairing suggestion is to serve the salad alongside roasted vegetables or potatoes.

For those who prefer vegan or vegetarian dishes, this perfect protein salad recipe is an excellent option. The garbanzo beans and spelt berries are natural sources of protein, making it a great meal option for vegans and vegetarians. To add some crunch to the salad, you could sprinkle some roasted nuts or seeds on top of your serving.

Aside from being very healthy, this protein salad is also a visually appealing dish because of its vibrant colors. Therefore, it would look amazing as part of a colorful seasonal food platter. This would also make for an impressive potluck dish to bring to any party.

Overall, this perfect protein salad recipe is very versatile because it pairs well with light meals, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and more. Its colorful appearance and nutritious ingredients make it an exciting addition that can be served at any gathering or mealtime occasion.

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Are you planning on hosting a party but don’t have time to prepare everything on the day of the big event? No worries! The PCC Perfect Protein Salad Recipe can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until needed. This is perfect for those who want to avoid any last-minute kitchen frenzy.

To make ahead, place your salad in an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Make sure you stir it before serving to ensure an even distribution of all ingredients.

When it comes to storing this recipe, it’s essential to remember that this salad contains garbanzo beans and spelt berries. These ingredients tend to go bad quickly if not kept in proper conditions. Therefore, storing the salad in an airtight container in the fridge will keep it fresh and last longer – up to three days.

Reheating this protein salad may not be your best option as garbanzo beans do not retain their texture after reheating. It’s always better to serve them cold or at room temperature. However, if you must reheat leftovers, use a low heat level and add some water or broth to avoid drying out the salad.

In conclusion, the PCC Perfect Protein Salad Recipe is perfect for making ahead and storing for later use. Just remember to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it should last up to three days. When reheating leftovers, prefer low heat and always add liquid to keep the moisture content intact. So, you can enjoy this yummy salad whenever you want without stressing over last-minute preparations.

Tips for Perfect Results

One of the most important aspects of cooking is achieving perfect results, and this Perfect Protein Salad Recipe is no exception. To help you out, I’ve gathered some tips and recommendations to ensure that your salad turns out absolutely delicious every time.

Firstly, when measuring out your ingredients, make sure to use accurate measurements. Too much or too little of a particular ingredient can throw off the balance of flavors in the salad. A digital kitchen scale can be helpful in this regard, but if you don’t have one, make sure to measure carefully using measuring cups and spoons.

A second tip is to cook the spelt berries according to package instructions before mixing them into the salad. Overcooking or undercooking can result in an unpleasant texture or taste that may ruin the overall dish.

Thirdly, give yourself enough time for preparation. The vegetables need to be diced uniformly and should be fresh for maximum flavor. Once everything is chopped up, mix it all together with a good stir to evenly distribute all of the ingredients.

Also, consider adding or substituting other vegetables that you might enjoy. For example, diced avocado could add a nice creaminess to the salad, while corn could add a bit of sweetness and crunch.

Lastly, you can make this salad vegan or gluten-free by using vegan mayonnaise and gluten-free wheat berries respectively. This way, everyone can enjoy this hearty salad at your next party.

By following these simple tips, you’re well on your way to preparing the perfect protein salad recipe that will impress all your guests and leave them happy and satisfied!

Bottom Line

The PCC Perfect Protein Salad recipe is a must-try for anyone who is looking for a tasty and healthy salad option. Not only is it packed with protein-rich ingredients like garbanzo beans and spelt berries, but it’s also full of colorful and flavorful veggies.

What sets this salad apart from others is its versatility. With the option to substitute and vary the ingredients, you can tailor it to suit your taste preferences or whatever you have on hand. Plus, it’s perfect for any season – enjoy it as a fresh and light option for a summer picnic or as a hearty and warming meal during the colder months.

By using fresh and healthy ingredients from local grocers like PCC Community Markets, you’ll feel good about nourishing your body with wholesome and nutritious food. It’s also important to note the health benefits of this recipe – low in calories and carbs, high in fiber, and loaded with herbs and lemon juice, this salad recipe is a great addition to any diet.

So why not give this Perfect Protein Salad recipe a try? You’ll be sure to impress your dinner guests or just treat yourself to a delicious and healthy meal. Now go put on your apron and get cooking – happy eating!

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