This isn’t your typical salad… it is packed with lentils, chickpeas, walnuts and hemp seeds.
Sometimes lentils and chickpeas are referred to as pulses. Not only do these have a lot of fiber and protein they are also heart healthy:
Pulse Canada cited a 2014 meta-analysis of existing research. It showed that eating pulses for at least three weeks significantly reduces LDL-cholesterol (a.k.a. ‘bad’ cholesterol) levels. This can lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Hemp hearts and walnuts also pack an impressive punch, they are a great source of ALA (alpha linolenic acid). This is an omega 3 fatty acid essential for the body to make DHA and EPA, the other two omega 3 fatty acids, we need to include sources of ALA in our diets as our body can’t make it. For more ways to use hemp seeds, check out this linkto some ideas for delicious over-night oat breakfast bowls.
My favourite brand of hemp hears is Manitoba Harvest, they are a staple in our kitchen: I use them in everything from oatmeal, granola, cookies, salads, desserts and smoothies.
As much as I could sit here and list the nutritional properties and benefits of every single ingredient in this delicious salad, I think it is time to share the recipe!
Ingredients
3 cups of finely chopped kale
¼ cup of parsley
½ cucumber, finely chopped
¾ cup lentils, cooked
¾ cup chickpeas, cooked
1 avocado, sliced
¼ cup walnuts
¼ cup hemp hearts
For the dressing:
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp honey
Directions:
Toss all ingredients in a bowl, its that easy!
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