Power Up Your Lunch with a Protein-Packed Sprout Salad 🥗

 Salads are often seen as light and refreshing starters, but they can be incredibly filling and nutritious when packed with protein! This protein sprout salad is a perfect example. It's bursting with fresh flavors, crunchy textures, and a good dose of protein to keep you feeling satisfied all afternoon. Plus, it's a great way to incorporate sprouts into your diet, which are a nutritional powerhouse. This recipe is also perfect for weight loss or healthy eating goals. It's low in calories and fat but high in protein and fiber, keeping you feeling fuller for longer and curbing cravings. 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups Moong sprouts (sprouted mung beans)
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• 1 bell pepper ( any color), diced
• 2 green chilies, chopped (optional)
• 1 handful cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup mixed salad greens (spinach, arugula, lettuce)
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (or paneer for a vegan option)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro

For the Dressing:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon honey (or agave nectar)
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Process 

1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, cumin powder, salt, and pepper. This flavorful dressing will tie all the ingredients of the salad together. Set aside for later.

2. In a large bowl, combine the moong sprouts, red onion, cucumber, bell pepper, green chilies (if using), and cherry tomatoes. 

3. Add the mixed salad greens on top of the other vegetables. Gently toss the salad to combine the ingredients without bruising the delicate greens. 

4. Crumble the feta cheese (or paneer for a vegan option) over the salad and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. The feta cheese adds a creamy and salty element to the salad, while the cilantro brings a fresh, citrusy flavor. 

5. Dress and Serve:- Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients. Be careful not to overmix the salad, as you don't want to wilt the greens. Serve immediately and enjoy this protein-packed and flavorful lunch!