November 28, 2011
Meatless Monday: Detox After Turkey Day With This Chickpea, Pepper, and Herb Salad
Posted by Rea Frey / Martha Steward Living Well
What’s better after an indulgent Thanksgiving than a refreshing raw salad? Chickpeas are one of the best sources of folate (they help red cell production and carry oxygen to the muscles) and iron. Iron is best absorbed with vitamin C, which is what makes this chickpea-red pepper combo so powerful. Red peppers deliver more than 300 percent of the daily requirement for vitamin C, imperative for cell repair.
In general, I like to go for beans because of their slimming properties: they help shed fat and improve blood sugar levels.
This no-cook, energizing recipe is perfect on its own or can be tossed onto some greens or sandwiched between whole-grain bread. It's a perfect way to get back on a healthy eating track---and stave off that mid-afternoon slump!
Chickpea, Red Pepper, and Herb Salad
2 15-oz cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
2 red bell peppers, finely diced
1 cup cilantro, chopped
1 cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Toss together all ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Chill in the fridge (up to 2 hours to let the flavors meld).