FRESH CRUNCH SALAD.- A favorite around our house.....

Fresh, Mediterranean inspired flavors in this easy to put together salad that's perfect for the warmer days coming up. It lends itself well to most healthy eating plans but specially due to the major flavor infused into this salad that has made this dish a favorite around our house!

Another thing about the salad is that you can use canned items if you wish without losing out on any of the crunch or flavor! Comes together quick, great for take along lunches or a picnic, gives you some protein and vitamins without it becoming boring.
You'll see, the flavors will win you over!

You'll need:

FRESH CRUNCH SALAD.-

1 lb garbanzo beans, cooked, peeled or can use canned
1 cucumber, chopped small
1 cup broccoli florets, cut bit sized
1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half
1 cup kale, sliced fine, remove the stems
1/2 cup red onion, chopped fine
2 Tbls Kalamata Olives, no pits and chopped fine
3 Tbls Red Wine Vinegar (try not to substitute since you need this flavor)
1 clove garlic, chopped fine
1 Tbls Flat Lead Parsley, chopped fine
1 Tsp Thyme, fresh, chopped fine

Salt & Pepper to taste only if needed
Extra Virgin Olive Oil only if desired

Prepare all ingredients and then add them to a bowl, toss and refrigerate for an hour before serving.

NOTE: Of course I prefer made from fresh ingredients and fresh herbs but you could get away with canned garbanzos and dried herbs too. No grape tomatoes, try cherry tomatoes or chop Roma Tomatoes into small pieces. Try to get everything around the same size, bite sized, it will make it easier to eat without the need to use a knife, better for the take-along, right?

I mention the addition of salt & pepper only if desired as well of Olive Oil purely as a personal choice. I would make the salad without these items, refrigerate for an hour then taste it and decide if you need those additions, ok?

With regard to being easily used along with other diets, you can tell it would serve a vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free, high fiber, sugar conscious and wheat free. So you get a healthy salad along with great flavor.

Hope you will try this. We will be sure to have it often during the summer months. Enjoy!