By Zeba Kohli
Monsoon season brings with it a refreshing change in the weather, making it the perfect time to indulge in light and nutritious salads. Today, I’m excited to share a delicious recipe for a Monsoon Salad that combines seasonal ingredients with a surprising twist—chocolate! Yes, you heard that right. Chocolate adds a touch of richness and antioxidants to this vibrant salad, making it a delightful treat for your taste buds. Let’s dive into this unique and healthy creation.
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- Mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Cucumber, sliced
- Bell peppers (red and yellow), thinly sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Avocado, diced
- Roasted nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts)
For the Chocolate Vinaigrette:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Dark chocolate shavings
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)
Instructions:
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- Prepare the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine mixed salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, bell peppers, red onion, diced avocado, and roasted nuts. Toss gently to mix evenly. - Make the Chocolate Vinaigrette:
In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, and unsweetened cocoa powder until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Assemble the Salad:
Drizzle the chocolate vinaigrette over the salad mixture. Gently toss to coat all the ingredients with the dressing. - Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls. Sprinkle with dark chocolate shavings and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the unique flavors of this Monsoon Salad with a chocolate twist!
Why Chocolate in Salad?
You might be wondering about the addition of chocolate in a salad. Dark chocolate, especially when used sparingly and combined with savory ingredients like in this salad, adds depth of flavour and antioxidants. Cocoa powder, used in the vinaigrette, not only enhances the dressing’s richness but also provides health benefits, including improved heart health and mood.
Embrace the Flavours of Monsoon
This Monsoon Salad with a Chocolate Twist is not only delicious but also a nutritious way to celebrate the flavours of the season. Packed with fresh vegetables, healthy fats from avocado and nuts, and a touch of chocolate, this salad is sure to brighten up your rainy day.
I hope you enjoy making and savouring this unique salad recipe. For more culinary inspirations and healthy recipes, stay tuned to my blog. Share your thoughts and experiences with this recipe in the comments below. Happy cooking!
- Prepare the Salad: