Today is one of those days for me when I feel happy for no particular reason. This despite it being a cold and rainy day. Not that I am complaining; I generally feel content and pleased with my simple life.
To keep up the great mood I was in I had to eat something light, colourful and quick. So, I settled for the bright and colourful corn and bean salad. I read somewhere that beans are rich in selenium, which is known to be a major mood uplifter. How cool!
This besides being a great looking salad, is also quite nutritious. It contains a good amount of fibre, proteins, vitamins and antioxidants from the different ingredients.
This tasty and colourful salad comes with a spicy dressing, and is a perfect light lunch or side. You could make this salad ahead in glass jars and carry it with you for a lunch on-the-go.
Ingredients
- Corn kernels – 1 cup
- Kidney beans cooked or canned – 1 cup
- Onion (Large) – 1
- Tomato (Large) – 1
- Green olives (optional) – 4 -5 tblspn slices
- Salad greens – As much as you like
- Salt and pepper – To taste
For the dressing:
- Extra virgin olive oil – 3 tblspns
- Lemon juice – 1 tblspn
- Chilli flakes – 1 tspn
- Cumin powder – ¼ tspn
- Dried herbs – 2 tspns
- Salt and pepper – To season
Directions
- In a small mixing bowl, add the ingredients under ‘For the dressing’. Give it all a good mix and keep aside.
- Steam corn kernels. I steamed it in a microwave oven for 1 minute with a dash of water.
- Whether you use canned or soaked and cooked kidney beans, make sure the water is completely drained.
- Slice the onions and tomatoes thinly.
- In a large bowl, layer the corn kernels, kidney beans, olives, onions, tomatoes and salad greens.
- Pour the dressing over the salad.
- Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Note: If you are taking this salad to-go, pour the dressing on the top and mix it just before you intend to eat it. Always remember to keep the leafy greens and soft ingredients on the top.
Tips:
- I had kidney beans in hand. Replace it with other beans or mixed bean varieties of your choice.
- I did not use cheese, you could opt to add it. Feta and haloumi make a great addition.
- You could add cooked rice, cous cous, quinoa or millets in the salad for a complete meal.
