If you are serious about getting in top health and shape this Summer, then look no further than your salad bowl! 

This one is not only delicious and full of crunch (the way vegetables are supposed to be before you cook the life out of them) but a most nutritious way to munch your way through lunch or the next occasion…chickpeas are just sooo healthy and of course we can’t get enough of our greens.

And in case you are wondering, it’s no coincidence that this dish makes great festive fare with the choice of vibrant red and green (you can thank our in- house master chef Jenny for that!) and will no doubt help us to digest the heavier items on the table.

Festive tip

Try filling up on salads like this one or dig into a platter of vegie sticks with homemade dips - then eat a little of all the other goodies (in moderation) so you don’t miss out on the fun….and your tummy will thank you for it!

Food should be a delight for the senses and a joy to eat. We sincerely hope you enjoy this recipe & if you do, be sure to give compliments to the chef!! Bon appétit ;))

Ingredients

500g (1lb) stringless green beans

440g (16oz) can chickpeas/garbanzos, drained and well rinsed

1 red capsicum (red bell pepper), cut into small pieces (diced)

1 medium carrot, grated

Dressing

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 small clove garlic, crushed

1 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 - 3 tablespoons warm water

1 teaspoon rice malt (rice honey) optional

Directions

STEP 1 - Cook green beans for one to two minutes in a very small amount of boiling water. Have a large bowl of cold water with ice on the side. As soon as you take the beans out of the hot water put them in the iced water. This halts the cooking process so the beans stay crunchy.

STEP 2 - When the beans are cold cut them into 2cm/1” pieces, put them in a salad bowl and add the chickpeas, carrot and capsicum.

STEP 3 - Put all the dressing ingredients into a container that has a lid. Put on the lid and shake until the dressing is combined. Add to the bean mixture.