GREEN SALAD + LEMON TAHINI DRESSING

Certainly, I can provide you with detailed information about a Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing, including its history, components, preparation steps, and estimated preparation time.

Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing:

History:
Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is a modern twist on traditional salads. Tahini, a paste made from ground sesame seeds, has its roots in Middle Eastern cuisine. The combination of tahini and lemon in a salad dressing reflects a fusion of flavors from different culinary traditions.

Components:
Here are the components you’ll need for this salad:

For the Salad:

• Fresh mixed greens (e.g., lettuce, spinach, arugula)
• Cucumbers, sliced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red onion, thinly sliced
• Optional additions: avocado, olives, or roasted nuts

For the Lemon Tahini Dressing:

• Tahini paste
• Fresh lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Garlic, minced
• Honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Water (to adjust the consistency)

Steps to Prepare:

1. Prepare the Salad:

   • Wash and dry the mixed greens thoroughly.
   • Slice cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice red onion.
   • If using additional ingredients like avocado, olives, or roasted nuts, prepare them as well.

2. Make the Lemon Tahini Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup of tahini paste, 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1-2 cloves of minced garlic, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
   • Whisk these ingredients together until well combined.

3. Adjust the Dressing Consistency:

   • If the dressing is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Some prefer it thicker, while others like it thinner.

4. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.
   • Add any optional ingredients you like.

5. Dress the Salad:

   • Drizzle the Lemon Tahini Dressing over the salad.

6. Toss and Serve:

   • Gently toss the salad to evenly coat it with the dressing.

Preparation Time:
The estimated time to prepare this Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is around 15-20 minutes, depending on your chopping and mixing speed.

Enjoy your fresh and delicious Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing! It’s a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

• Calories: The calorie count can vary depending on the serving size and the amount of dressing used, but on average, a serving of this salad with dressing contains around 150-200 calories.

• Protein: Approximately 3-5 grams of protein per serving.

• Carbohydrates: The salad is relatively low in carbohydrates, with about 10-15 grams per serving.

• Dietary Fiber: You can expect to get around 3-5 grams of dietary fiber from this salad.

• Fat: The healthy fats in the tahini and olive oil contribute to about 10-15 grams of fat per serving.

• Vitamins and Minerals: This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamins A and C from the mixed greens and tomatoes. It also provides calcium, iron, and potassium.

Health Information:

1. Low in Calories: A Green Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing is generally a low-calorie option, making it suitable for those looking to maintain or lose weight.

2. Rich in Fiber: The salad’s high fiber content helps promote digestive health and keeps you feeling full, which can aid in weight management.

3. Healthy Fats: The fats in tahini and olive oil are primarily unsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

4. Nutrient-Rich: This salad is packed with essential vitamins and minerals, providing a range of nutrients that support overall health.

5. Antioxidants: Ingredients like tomatoes and leafy greens are rich in antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and support immune function.

6. Plant-Based: This salad is plant-based, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

7. Gluten-Free: It is naturally gluten-free, making it an option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

8. Tahini Benefits: Tahini, a key ingredient in the dressing, is a good source of plant-based protein and contains important minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Remember that the exact nutritional content of your salad may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities you use. Additionally, the health benefits can be enhanced by choosing fresh, organic ingredients and by practicing portion control when consuming the dressing to keep calorie intake in check.