Quick Spring Salads to Prepare for Iftar

Food inspiration is always essential in Ramadan; as we have to come up with good plates that are healthy, delicious, and rich nutrition-wise. And since there’s nothing more essential in Ramadan Iftars such as salads, to keep the bloat away, we will be sharing with you some of our favorite fresh and spring salad recipes to prepare for Iftar;

Hummus and Feta Salad

Simple is key. This salad is very delicious, as well as quick to prepare. The ingredients are available and don’t require any kind of effort; which makes this recipe one of the easiest yet tastiest salads.

Ingredients

1 cup boiled chickpeas

1/2 cup feta cheese 

1 Tbsp of chopped parsley 

1/4 tsp black pepper 

1/4 tsp cumin 

2 Tbsp of lemon juice

2 Tbsp of olive oil

Steps

• Mix the chickpeas, with parsley and cheese.
• Then mix in the spices, add the olive oil and lemon et Voila!

Recipe from: https://fustany.com/en/lifestyle/the-kitchen/30-salad-recipes-for-every-day

Broccoli Salad

Ramadan requires low-fat meals, yet energizing ones; to keep our body safe and healthy. And that’s the cue of veggies, there’s nothing healthier and more nutritious than a good salad.

Ingredients

2 cups of broccoli

2 carrots

Salt and pepper

Red pepper flakes

1 tablespoon of honey

1 cup of yogurt

Onion flakes

1 cup of cashew nuts

Steps

• Chop broccoli and carrots into the size you prefer then toast cashew nuts in a pan.
• In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped carrots, broccoli, salt and pepper, honey, toasted nuts, yogurt, onion flakes, and red pepper flakes.
• Stir gently and then serve the salad immediately.

Recipe from: https://mvslim.com/5-fresh-summery-salad-recipes-iftar/

Caprese salad with avocado

Avocado is very known for the different ways that it can be cooked, or even drank as smoothies. It also has many benefits, among which is that avocados are loaded with fiber and they can also lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Ingredients

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 thin-sliced chicken breasts

Salt and black pepper

6 cups chopped romaine lettuce

6 ounces fresh mozzarella

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado, halved and diced

1/4 cup basil leaves

Steps

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the balsamic vinegar and brown sugar to create the balsamic reduction. Bring to a low simmer and reduce by half, around 6-8 minutes; remove from heat and set aside to cool.
• In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts to taste with salt and pepper. Cook, flipping once until cooked through, around 3-4 minutes per side in a skillet. Allow cooling completely before slicing into bite-size bits.
• To make the salad, toss romaine lettuce with chicken, mozzarella, tomatoes, avocado, and basil in a large mixing bowl. Pour the balsamic reduction over the salad and toss gently to blend. Serve right away.

Recipe from: https://mvslim.com/5-fresh-summery-salad-recipes-iftar/

Corn and Lettuce Salad

This salad takes no time to make, it is such a time-saver and also looks so visually pleasing. Its colorful ingredients look very delicious and its taste is flavorful. It is also very nutritious and appetizing.

Ingredients

 1 can of sweet corn 

1 cup chopped lettuce 

1/4 cup mayonnaise

2 Tbsp of yogurt

2 Tbsp mustard 

1/4 tsp salt and black pepper 

1 chopped tomato

1/4 tsp garlic powder 

1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese 

Steps

• In a bowl, mix the corn, chopped tomato, and lettuce.
• Then put together the mayonnaise, salt, pepper, mustard, and garlic powder.
• Lastly, pour the sauce over the salad and use the cheddar cheese as a garnish.

Recipe from: https://fustany.com/en/lifestyle/the-kitchen/30-salad-recipes-for-every-day

Eggplant Salad

If you’re looking for a great source of minerals and vitamins, here’s your recipe. Eggplants help with digestion, which can be needed in Ramadan. It improves heart and bone health, as well as, prevents anemia. This salad can be a lifesaver after fasting and contains the nutrients you need.

Ingredients

150 g grilled eggplant then mashed

1/4 chopped red bell pepper 

1/4 chopped green bell pepper 

1 chopped small onion

2 Tbsp of olive oil 

1 tsp lemon juice 

1/4 tsp salt 

1/4 tsp finely chopped mint 

A Tbsp of pine nuts to use as garnish

Steps

• Put together the eggplant with the red and green bell peppers. 
• Add the chopped mint and onion then make sure to mix well. 
• Finally, add the olive oil and salt, then use the pine nuts as garnish.

Recipe from: https://fustany.com/en/lifestyle/the-kitchen/30-salad-recipes-for-every-day

By: Nouran Hassan