This delicious heart-friendly salad can be served as a light lunch, or as a side to your main meal.
I add avocado to every salad I make. It is the only fruit that provides a substantial amount of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, as well as being nutrient-dense. Avocados can help to lower total cholesterol and blood-triglyceride levels. They also lower LDL and increase HDL levels.
Olives form a cornerstone of the Mediterranean diet, which regularly tops the list of healthiest diets. They have been called 'the world's healthiest food' and are loaded with free-radical zapping anti-oxidants.
Try adding a handful of sprouts, particularly broccoli sprouts, to your salad whenever possible. These are rich in enzymes that support blood vessels and reduce inflammatory and oxidative molecules, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease. Sprouts are a powerhouse of enzymes and nutrients.
Ingredients
black olives
romaine lettuce
alfalfa/broccoli sprouts
pear
pomegranate seeds
avocado
red pepper
courgettes
For the dressing
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup of white balsamic vinegar
1 tbl spoon whole grain mustard
salt and pepper to taste