Salads are not everyone’s favourite. The term ‘salad’ conjures up images of bland, boring & tasteless spinach & sprouts. Well not this protein packed salad! Loaded with crunchy, flavourful vegetables & delicious legumes combined with cottage cheese (paneer or tofu), this nutritious salad lightly seasoned with spices, is a great Indian go-to snack to satisfy those early evening hunger pangs and is also an excellent pre-workout snack & energy booster.

Rich in dietary fiber, Vitamin B, and an apt substitute for meat, legumes are a great source of protein especially for vegetarians. Having a low glycemic index & low saturated fat, it also helps to reduce bad cholesterol and control blood sugar levels.

The other main ingredients used in this salad – peanuts & paneer are also a great source of protein, healthy fat and folate, aiding in overall weight loss.

This recipe does require a bit of pre-planning in terms of soaking & boiling the chickpeas, but once ready, it’s easy to rustle up.

Ingredients: (Serves – 6)
1 cup boiled kabuli chana (chickpeas)
1 cup boiled kala chana (black chickpeas)
1 cucumber, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 medium sized onion, chopped
1 cup paneer/tofu, cut into medium sized cubes
1 cup unsalted peanuts, roasted & skinned
1 small cup coriander leaves, finely chopped
2-3 green chillies, finely chopped
1tsp black pepper
1tsp black salt
1tsp chaat masala
1tsp bhuna jeera
½ lime

Method:

1. Put all the ingredients in a big bowl
2. Mix well
3. Add the seasoning
4. Add a squeeze of lime
5. Mix again & adjust seasoning according to taste
6. Serve immediately

Notes:

• You can use any boiled legumes of your choice.
• You can add any other vegetables of your choice.
• If you don’t have black salt, you can use regular iodized salt instead.

Tips:

• It is best to consume this salad immediately.
• For enhanced taste & health benefit use a glass or ceramic mixing bowl.
• If not consumed immediately, this salad can be refrigerated.