Now that the weather is beginning to warm up it’s time to get salads back onto the menu! While we know that fresh vegetables and fruit are full of vitamins and minerals, don’t forget that fresh herbs have great nutritional value too. They are super easy to grow, even if you don’t have a garden, and they take a boring green side dish and give it an amazing, fresh lift!
Parsley; full of vitamin A, B, C & K, contain iron and potassium. Contains flavonoids which act as a powerful antioxidant, and its volatile oils qualify it as a ‘chemoprotective’ food – meaning it can help neutralise particular types of carcinogens. Coriander; wonderful source of dietary fibre, iron, magnesium and rich in Vitamin C and K. Dill; Rich in vitamins A & C, contains iron, folate and manganese. Can be used for gastro-intestinal complaints, as an anti inflammatory, contains calcium for bone strength. Basil; Not just delicious… it is a powerful anti oxidant, contains magnesium, calcium and omega-3 fatty acids, as well as vitamin A & C. Oregano; rich in anti oxidants to reduce inflammation, the volatile oils have anti bacterial properties, rich in vitamin K, iron and calcium and a good source of dietary fibre. Mint; good source of vitamin C & A, manganese & copper , mint also has been used throughout history to soothe an upset stomach
Herb Salad
Coriander, Basil, Parsley, Dill, Mint, Lambs lettuce, Rocket, Snow peas
Chopped almonds, toasted pepitas, toasted sesame seeds, nigella seeds, chilli flakes
Roughly rip, tear or chop the herbs and mix with torn lettuce and rocket. Finely slice snow peas and add. Sprinkle over seeds, nuts and chilli.
Mix best quality olive oil with lemon juice or apple cider vinegar, salt & pepper and toss through salad.
This salad is perfect for using up the last of the herbs that are sitting in your fridge, reducing waste. It is also fine to add or omit ingredients depending on your taste and what you have available.
