Big Salad

We tried another recipe for you! This one looked really good, so I wasn't concerned with a "flop."

The Big Salad article (actually five salad recipes) is also from a recent Runner's World issue. Here's the one I made last night:

Quick Hummus Salad
Easy to assemble and rich in vital nutrients for runners, this deconstructed hummus is perfect for weekday lunches. Chickpeas, the main ingredient in hummus, provide protein, carbs, and plenty of insoluble fiber. "The fiber in chickpeas can improve the health of your GI tract," Katz says. Walnuts (and other nuts) provide crunch and protect against heart disease. Harvard researchers found that people who eat nuts regularly are 29 percent less likely to develop the disease. Nut-eaters are slimmer, too. A synergy of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals is likely behind nuts' potent health benefits.

In a bowl, toss 2 (14-ounce) cans drained and rinsed chickpeas, 2 shredded carrots, 1 diced red bell pepper, 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes, 1 cup chopped parsley, 1/2 cup diced red onion, 3/4 cup diced feta, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, and 1/2 cup golden raisins. Divide 8 cups mixed salad greens among 4 plates. Top with chickpea mixture and tahini dressing. Serves 4.

Tahini Dressing:
                                                             

1/3 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons tahini

juice of 1/2 lemon

1 minced garlic clove

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Calories per serving: 618
Carbs: 53 g
Fiber: 15 g
Protein: 18 g
Fat: 39 g

Note: The nutrition data for each salad is calculated with dressing.

The salad and dressing were very tasty, very filling and had a great texture with all the different ingredients. The recipe makes a lot; so we have leftovers which is a good thing with a meal that we enjoyed.

Check out all of the Big Salad recipes at RunnersWorld.com.


Action Item: Try this protein-packed salad for dinner or make it for the next pot-luck you attend.

For Further Reading: Check out other Runners World recipes; great ideas for foods and meals to fuel your body!

And here's a good article from One Green Planet, Why Chickpeas are a Healthy Eaters Best Friend.