If you want to improve your gut- health, keep cholesterol at bay, keep your weight in the optimal range, boost skin and hair health, you must make atleast one part of one meal raw per day. Adding one salad per day is an absolute mandatory for all my clients.
Cooking changes the chemical texture of food and leads to the loss of multiple micro nutrients. Raw foods are instead as nature intends for them to be, bursting with anti- oxidants and minerals.
But the only way you will look forward to eating your salad is if you make it tasty. And a good salad dressing can make all the difference.
Here are my top favourite picks:
Tangy Thai Peanut Dressing Sauce
Serve this oil-free sauce as a salad dressing, or a dip for spring rolls.
Ingredients for making the dressing:
2 tbsp Peanut butter
2 tbsp lime juice
2 dates (pitted and soaked)
1.5 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
Two garlic cloves
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tbsp chilly flakes
Water or nut- milk for desired consistency
One tablespoon of basil leaves, chopped
Toasted sesame seeds to sprinkle
Blend everything and your dressing sauce is ready to serve.
Peanut butter is also one of the least expensive plant protein sources available.
Each 2-tablespoon (tbsp) serving of smooth peanut butter can contain 7-10 grams of proteins.
Desi style Tahini Sauce
Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, has a deeper, nuttier flavour profile than regular peanut butter. It's equally delicious poured over greens as it is in a cooked recipe.
Tahini, high in essential fats and plant-based protein and has a long list of health advantages ranging from heart health to glowing skin.
This recipe is so easy and yet delicious.
Ingredients for making the Sauce:
½ cup tahini
¼ cup lemon juice
Pinch of garam masala
1/2 cup cold water
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Blend everything and your dressing sauce is ready to serve.
Tahini's main ingredient, sesame seeds, are known for their heart-healthy properties.
This could be due to sesame seeds' high antioxidant content, which protects cells from free radical damage and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. Sesamin and sesamolin, two powerful antioxidants found only in the sesame plant, have been linked to improved heart health. They act by preventing the absorption of dietary cholesterol and inhibiting cholesterol synthesis in the body.
Balsamic Dressing
This oil-free balsamic dressing is simple and quick to make. Serve it with grilled tofu, marinated mushrooms, or a hearty vegan salad.
Balsamic vinegar is a form of vinegar that has been concentrated to produce a dark, rich flavour. In addition, this vinegar has a somewhat sweet and astringent flavour, making it a great accompaniment to any dish.
Ingredients for making the dressing:
Balsamic vinegar, two tablespoons
1 tsp mustard dijon
1 tsp nutriitonal yeast
1/4th tsp. basil (dried) (or other dried herbs)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
In a jar or Tupperware container, combine all ingredients with two teaspoons of water. To thoroughly mix, close the lid and shake it for a few seconds.
Balsamic vinegar is high in electrolytes, including potassium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, and magnesium, which are essential for good health.
Balsamic vinegar's most notable properties is the presence of acetic acid that delays the absorption of fatty acids in the body.
I hope I have inspired you to make a salad today. I also suggest making the dressing sauce over the weekend so you have something to add onto your salads through the week.
Trust this helps,