Colourful, tasty and overflowing with interesting ingredients – summer salads are much more exciting these days than they ever have been in the past..
Flavours from across the world have made their way on to our plates, together with delicious, nutritious vegetables, fruits and other foodstuffs.
Summer salads are a perfect choice for those in the modelling business, as well as others who are health conscious and keen to ensure they have a balanced diet. As well as making quick and easy light lunches there are also weightier versions that make superb main meals in themselves.
Models Direct have come up with their three favourite Summer salads for you…
Here are three high protein salads (each serving two people) that are all sure to bring some sunshine to your plate.
Chicken, Couscous and Feta Salad
- Ingredients:
- 200ml vegetable stock
- 125g couscous
- 500g roasted chicken breasts
- Two ripe nectarines
- A handful of fresh mint
- A handful of dill
- A handful of basil
- A handful of toasted almonds
- 100g feta cheese
- Dressing:
- The zest and juice of two lemons
- One tsp of balsamic vinegar
- Three tbs of olive oil
- One garlic clove, crushed
- 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
- A pinch of salt
- A grind or two of black pepper
Method:
Prepare your couscous using your vegetable stock; fluff it up with a fork and leave to cool. Mix all your dressing ingredients together in a small jug. Chop your herbs and gently stir them through the cooled couscous. Cut your roasted chicken into small pieces and arrange over your couscous. Top with your nectarines and squares of feta cheese. Sprinkle with the toasted almonds and drizzle with dressing.
Summery Lentil Salad
Ingredients:
- One good cup (or one 400g can) of Puy lentils
- Two handfuls of baby spinach
- One small red onion
- Half a cup of sun-dried tomatoes
- A handful of black olives
- A handful of basil or dill
- Dressing:
- Three tbs extra virgin olive oil
- The juice of one lemon
- One tbs balsamic vinegar
- One tsp of clear honey
- A pinch of salt
- A grind or two of black pepper
Method:
If using dried lentils, then cook until soft and leave to cool. A 400g tin of ready cooked lentils can work just as well, however. Finely chop your onion and roughly chop your spinach. Drain and rinse your sun-dried tomatoes and mix in with the vegetables. Add your cooled lentils. Mix all your dressing ingredients together in a small jug. Pour over your salad then sprinkle with chopped fresh basil or dill (depending on your preference).
Warm Sweet Potato and Chickpea Salad
Ingredients:
- One large sweet potato
- One small red onion
- One 400g can of chickpeas
- Three tbs olive oil
- The juice of one lemon
- Three crushed garlic cloves
- One tsp ground cumin
- One tsp smoked paprika
- One quarter tsp cinnamon
- A pinch of salt
- A grind or two of black pepper
- A handful of spinach
- A handful of peppery rocket
Method:
Peel of scrub your sweet potatoes and cut into cubes. Place on a baking tray oiled with olive oil, season and roast in the oven at 425 deg F or 220 deg C for about 15 minutes then remove. Finely chop your onion. Mix this and the chickpeas in with your sweet potatoes. Mix the rest of your olive oil with your lemon juice, spices and remaining seasoning in a small jug. Pour some of this over your vegetable mixture. Toss the vegetables using a couple of spoons to make sure they are well coated. Bake for a further 15 minutes (or until well cooked) in the oven. Mix your rocket and spinach together in a bowl. Fork your warm vegetables on top. Drizzle with your remaining dressing then serve.
The Models Direct team hope you enjoy these Summer Salad ideas!
