Protein-Boost Salad with Spelt, Chickpeas, and Halloumi

Why a Protein-Boost Salad?

Proteins are the building blocks of a healthy, active lifestyle. They help repair muscles, keep you full for longer, and are essential for many body functions. This Protein-Boost Salad combines both plant-based and animal proteins in a delicious way, while also providing healthy fats, carbohydrates, and vitamins.

Ingredients for Your Protein-Boost Salad

To prepare this delicious salad, you only need a few simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store.

For the Salad:

• Spelt: A great source of plant-based protein and fiber.
• Chickpeas: High in protein and fiber, making the salad filling and nutritious.
• Halloumi: This crispy grilled cheese adds a rich, salty flavor and plenty of protein.
• Cucumber: Fresh and crunchy, adding a light texture to the dish.
• Lettuce: A light, crunchy base that adds volume and freshness to the salad.
• Peaches: Sweet and juicy, perfectly balancing the savory flavors of the salad.
• Cranberries: Tart and sweet, full of antioxidants.
• Walnuts: Crunchy and rich in omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats.

For the Dressing:

• 1 tsp Mustard
• 1 tsp Honey
• 1 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make the Protein-Boost Salad

This salad is not only healthy but also incredibly easy to prepare:

1. Cook the spelt: Follow the package instructions and let the spelt cool down slightly after cooking.
2. Fry the halloumi and chickpeas: In a pan, fry the halloumi and chickpeas together until both are golden and crispy.
3. Prepare the fresh ingredients: Chop the cucumber and peaches into bite-sized pieces and wash and dry the lettuce.
4. Make the dressing: Whisk together the mustard, honey, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Combine everything: In a large bowl, add the spelt, fried halloumi, chickpeas, lettuce, cucumber, peaches, cranberries, and walnuts. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss everything together.
6. Serve: Enjoy your fresh and flavorful salad right away!

Customizing Your Protein-Boost Salad

One of the best things about this salad is its flexibility! You can easily adapt the ingredients to fit the season or your taste preferences:

• Swap out the halloumi: Try feta or mozzarella if you prefer a lighter cheese.
• Change up the fruit: In the summer, try using watermelon or apricots, and in the fall, go for pears or apples.
• Use different nuts: Pecans or almonds are great alternatives to walnuts.

Why This Salad Is the Perfect Protein Boost

This salad combines both plant-based and animal protein sources for a balanced meal. Spelt and chickpeas provide high-quality plant protein, while halloumi and walnuts add essential fats and even more protein. The fresh ingredients like cucumber and peaches also pack in an extra dose of vitamins.