Certainly, I’d be happy to provide you with detailed information about Crunchy Romaine Salad with Almond-Lime Dressing, including its history, components, preparation steps, and estimated preparation time.
Crunchy Romaine Salad + Almond-Lime Dressing:
History:
Crunchy Romaine Salad with Almond-Lime Dressing is a refreshing and nutritious salad that combines fresh greens with a zesty dressing. While the specific history of this dish may not be well-documented, salads like these have been enjoyed for centuries. The combination of crisp romaine lettuce and a tangy almond-lime dressing likely draws inspiration from various culinary traditions.
Components:
Here are the components of this salad:
For the Salad:
- Romaine lettuce: A crisp and slightly bitter variety of lettuce, known for its long, slender leaves.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these add color and flavor.
- Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch to the salad.
- Red onion: Provides a mild, tangy flavor.
- Optional add-ins: You can also include ingredients like bell peppers, avocado, or grilled chicken for added flavor and protein.
For the Almond-Lime Dressing:
- Almonds: Raw or roasted almonds are used to create a creamy, nutty base for the dressing.
- Lime juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice adds zing and acidity.
- Olive oil: Provides richness and smoothness to the dressing.
- Garlic: Adds a hint of savory flavor.
- Honey or maple syrup: Adds sweetness to balance the acidity of the lime.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Almond-Lime Dressing:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the almonds, lime juice, garlic, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Pulse until the almonds are finely ground.
- With the processor running, drizzle in the olive oil until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
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Prepare the Salad:
- Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
- Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
- Slice the cucumber and red onion thinly.
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Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
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Serve:
- Drizzle the almond-lime dressing over the salad.
- Toss the salad gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
Estimated Preparation Time:
The preparation time for this salad will vary depending on your experience in the kitchen. On average, it should take approximately 15-20 minutes to prepare all the components and assemble the salad. This time does not include any optional add-ins or grilling if you choose to include them.
Enjoy your Crunchy Romaine Salad with Almond-Lime Dressing, a delightful blend of crisp greens and zesty flavors!
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for Crunchy Romaine Salad with Almond-Lime Dressing:
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, approximately 1 cup of salad with dressing):
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Calories: Approximately 150-200 calories, depending on portion size and the amount of dressing used.
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Total Fat: About 12-15 grams of fat. The majority of the fat comes from the almond-lime dressing and olive oil.
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Saturated Fat: Typically 1-2 grams, mainly from the olive oil in the dressing.
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Trans Fat: Minimal to none.
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Cholesterol: No cholesterol in the salad components, but there may be trace amounts in the almonds or dressing.
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Sodium: Around 200-300 milligrams of sodium, primarily from the salt in the dressing.
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Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15 grams of carbohydrates. The primary source is vegetables like romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber.
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Dietary Fiber: About 2-3 grams of fiber, mostly from the vegetables and almonds.
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Sugars: Around 3-5 grams of natural sugars from the vegetables and a small amount from honey or maple syrup in the dressing.
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Protein: Roughly 3-5 grams of protein, primarily from the almonds and, optionally, any added proteins like grilled chicken.
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Vitamins and Minerals: The salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C from the tomatoes and lime juice, as well as vitamin K from the romaine lettuce. It also contains potassium, folate, and various antioxidants.
Health Information:
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Low in Calories: This salad is relatively low in calories, making it a suitable choice for those looking to manage their calorie intake.
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Healthy Fats: The dressing includes olive oil and almonds, which provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and essential fatty acids.
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High in Fiber: The salad contains a good amount of dietary fiber, which can promote digestive health and help you feel full and satisfied.
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Vitamins and Minerals: It’s rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and folate, which contribute to overall health and well-being.
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Nutrient Diversity: The combination of vegetables, nuts, and a citrus-based dressing offers a diverse array of nutrients, which is beneficial for overall nutrition.
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Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients and portion sizes to meet your specific dietary needs and preferences.
As with any recipe, the exact nutritional content may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes, so it’s essential to calculate the specifics if you have specific dietary concerns or restrictions. Overall, Crunchy Romaine Salad with Almond-Lime Dressing is a nutritious and flavorful choice for a healthy meal or side dish.
