Hello Friends,

A post is coming on this blog after ages. This is about a Salad recipe which my friend requested. Nothing unique a basic Caesar salad, but good for those who want to start new with salads. 

So without much ado, here goes the details. Some of the ingredients you may already have in your kitchen and for some you should pay visit to a grocery store. To give a little background on this recipe, it is an wholesome meal with proteins, vitamins and whole grains, including vegetables, leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains.

Ingredients:

Veggies: They form the base of your salad.

1. Salad Leaves (Choose from variety of lettuces you get on grocery stores. Keep trying and find your favorite one. To start with pick Iceberg, or if don't understand anything then pick mixed salad leaves pack.)
2. Carrots or Baby Carrots (Grated)
3. Cucumber (chopped finely lengthwise instead of cubes)
4. Cherry Tomatoes. If you find it uncomfortable to eat a whole cherry tomato you can half it. But avoid chopping in small pieces. Here a special note, I do not prefer normal tomatoes here, somehow does not go for me, but if you wish you may try some day.
5. Red Radishes also add taste but is quite optional.
6. Mint or Basil Leaves. They leave a very good after taste in mouth and as well as good appetizers. Do not miss them. I use these leaves regularly in my cooking since I have planted them in small pots in my window.

Fruits: They add a nice flavor and juiciness to the salad. One should use at least one fruit.

1. Apple into small cubes
2. Pomegranate seeds optional
3. Orange slices, peeled and chopped

Nuts: They add a nice crunchiness to the salad and no need to mention their benefits. Use at least one type of nut.

1. Sliced Almonds
2. Walnut kernels into small pieces
3. Sunflower seeds

Dried Fruits: They also add a very nice sweetness to the salad. 

1. Dried Cranberries
2. Raisins
3. Dates, Figs etc. in small pieces

Whole Grains: They provide you feeling of full stomach after having salad otherwise you may feel you are still hungry. 

1. Boiled Pasta. Someone who is on diet may avoid this but for others it may be good to add few pieces of pasta.
2. Sprouts. Obviously added nutrition if you have it in your kitchen toss it in.
3. Other option for whole grain is instead of adding anything in your salad take some bread along with it.

Dairy:
Cheese of your choice chopped in small pieces or grated

Dressing: Yes the final and most important. I have still not gained the expertise of making dressings. But here is still what you need.

1. Store bought Dressing
2. Yogurt
3. Honey
4. Herb Mix for additional flavor

Mixing Process:

1. Take a big big bowl, the biggest in your kitchen as this salad occupies a lot of space due to lettuce. Ideal is a Salad bowl. 
2. First chop the big lettuce leaves to medium size not too small as these leaves become support to hold other items in the salad while eating.
3. Now add all the above ingredients except dressing to this salad mix and you can keep it for a day also in fridge.
4. Mix all the ingredients of dressing too.
5. Now, when you are ready to serve the salad, just pour the dressing over the salad and mix it well. 
6. Enjoy this salad with fresh baked Baguettes, Breads from bakeries etc.
7. If you are taking this salad for lunch to office, just prepare it a night before put it in your lunch box and dressing in a leak proof box. 

Try this and hope you enjoy. Always feel free to adapt it to your own recipe, no copyrights ;).
Any questions or suggestions are welcome.