Superfood Protein Salad

Are you looking for a delicious plant-based, high protein meal full of nutrients? If so, then this salad recipe is for you! It has 20 grams of protein per serving that keep you full for hours, plus loads of flavor. AND it’s pretty quick and easy, too!

The Recipe:

Total Time: 15-20 minutes

Servings: 3 entree salads

Nutrition: 334 calories and 20g protein per serving

Ingredients:

Chili-Roasted Almonds

• 1 cup raw almonds
• About 1-2 tsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1/2 tsp sea salt

Salad

• 4 large handfuls mixed greens
• 1 cup cooked, chilled quinoa
• 1/2 cup cooked, shelled edamame
• 1/2 cup kidney beans
• 1/2 cup chickpeas
• 1/4 red onion

Dressing

• Anything you like, but vinaigrettes taste best with the flavors of the salad
• My favorite is Garlic Expressions vinaigrette!
• A berry vinaigrette is also good. Just keep in mind that the less sweet the dressing the better.

Instructions:

1. Roast the almonds: Place the almonds, olive oil (just enough to coat the almonds), and spices in a frying pan. Roast the almonds on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, until they begin to brown and become fragrant. Keep them moving so they don’t burn. If you hear a popping sound, that’s just the almonds cracking and is nothing to worry about.
2. Once the almonds are done, take them off the heat and set aside to cool.
3. For the rest of the salad, simply combine all other ingredients in a large bowl and toss.
4. Add the roasted almonds, grab your favorite dressing, and serve

I like to divide this recipe up into three separate containers for lunches for the next couple days, and add dressing right before eating. You could also divide it up even further and serve as a side salad.

NOTE: The first time I made this recipe, I went light on the chili powder because I didn’t want it to be too spicy. But it wasn’t spicy at all – it just adds flavor, so use the full amount.