Peanut Cucumber Tomato Salad

Certified nutritionist

Elina Balode

"Embarking on a keto journey can be both exciting and challenging. The promise of improved health, increased energy, and weight loss can be incredibly motivating. But, like any lifestyle change, it comes with its own set of questions and concerns. How do you create delicious and satisfying meals while staying within the bounds of the ketogenic diet? Well, the answer might just lie in a bowl of greens – salads! In this blog post, we're going to explore how salads can be a game-changer when it comes to keto dieting and share some easy keto recipes for beginners to get you started."

Before diving into the world of keto-friendly salads, let's quickly review the basics of the ketogenic diet. Keto is a low-carb, high-fat diet designed to encourage your body to enter a state of ketosis. In this metabolic state, your body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates, leading to weight loss and numerous other health benefits.

Keto Recipes for Dinner

Dinner is often the meal where we crave something hearty and satisfying. Luckily, the keto diet offers a plethora of options for creating mouthwatering dishes that won't derail your efforts. Let's explore how salads can fit into your keto dinner routine.

Cobb Salad with a Twist:

Start with a bed of fresh greens, add grilled chicken, crispy bacon, hard-boiled eggs, avocado slices, and your favorite keto-friendly dressing. This classic Cobb salad is not only delicious but also keto-compliant.

Keto-Friendly Caesar Salad:

Replace croutons with crispy bacon or Parmesan crisps and use a homemade Caesar dressing with healthy fats. This revamped Caesar salad is a keto winner and a great way to enjoy a classic.

Steak Salad:

Savor the flavors of a perfectly grilled steak on a bed of arugula or spinach. Top it with sliced cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil for a satisfying keto dinner.

Easy Keto Recipes for Beginners

If you're just starting your keto journey, simplicity is key. Here are some easy keto recipes that incorporate salads for beginners:

Spinach and Bacon Salad:

Toss fresh spinach leaves with crispy bacon bits and a simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar. It doesn't get easier than this!

Greek Salad:

Combine cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese with a homemade Greek dressing for a Mediterranean-inspired keto salad that's both flavorful and beginner-friendly.

Now let's make a very special, hearty salad for your next meal!

Peanut salad recipe:

Ingredients:

• 70g peanuts

• 120g cucumbers

• 70g tomatoes

• Fresh peppermint to taste (optional)

• Pinch of coriander (optional)

• 3 tablespoons of lemon juice

• Pinch of chili powder (optional)

• Pinch of chaat masala (optional)

• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl add cubed cucumbers, finely chopped tomatoes, chopped mint and coriander leaves, peanuts, lemon juice, chili powder, chaat masala and a small pinch of salt. Toss well until all the ingredients are mixed and well seasoned.

2. You can set it aside for 15 minutes so the flavors are incorporated well before serving or serve it straight away.

Incorporating salads into your keto diet can be a game-changer. They provide a versatile canvas for creating delicious, satisfying, and weight-loss-friendly meals. Whether you're a keto beginner or a seasoned pro, there's a keto salad recipe for everyone. So, embrace the world of keto-friendly salads, experiment with flavors, and enjoy the journey to a healthier you!