Trying to Up Your Daily Protein? Try These Salad Combos!
Are you looking to increase your protein intake without compromising on flavor? Look no further! These protein-packed salads, crafted by our dedicated Rise growers, are here to power up your meals and keep you energized throughout the day. Growing your own greens with a Rise Garden means you can harvest fresh, nutrient-dense leaves right before serving — and hydroponically grown produce can contain up to 50% more vitamins than store-bought equivalents. Check out these two delightful recipes that are as nutritious as they are delicious.
Southwest Black Bean Salad
(by Rise Grower Erica)
- Ingredients:
- Rise Gardens Mixed Greens
- Purple Sticky Rice
- Black Beans
- Chipotle Dressing
- Salsa
- Avocado
- Instructions:
- Cook the Rice: Prepare the purple sticky rice according to the package instructions and let it cool.
- Prepare the Veggies: While the rice is cooking, rinse and drain the black beans. Dice the avocado and set aside.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the Rise Gardens mixed greens, cooled purple sticky rice, black beans, and diced avocado.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the chipotle dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Top with Salsa: Add a generous scoop of salsa on top for an extra burst of flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy this hearty and protein-rich salad as a satisfying lunch or dinner option.
This Southwest Black Bean Salad is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, featuring creamy avocado, hearty black beans, and the bold kick of chipotle dressing.
Simple Steak Salad
- Ingredients:
- Rise Gardens Romaine
- Rise Gardens Tomatoes
- Steak
- Chimichurri Dressing
- Instructions:
- Cook the Steak: Season the steak with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear to your desired doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- Prepare the Veggies: While the steak is resting, chop the Rise Gardens romaine and slice the tomatoes.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine and sliced tomatoes. Top with the thinly sliced steak.
- Dress and Toss: Drizzle the chimichurri dressing over the salad and toss gently to mix all the ingredients.
- Serve: Enjoy this protein-packed steak salad for a delicious and filling meal.
The Simple Steak Salad is a classic favorite, combining the fresh crunch of romaine, the juicy sweetness of tomatoes, and the savory richness of steak, all tied together with the vibrant flavors of chimichurri dressing.
Want to Be Featured in the NEW Rise Gardens Cookbook?
Do you have a favorite salad recipe that you make using your Rise Garden produce? We would love to include your creation in our upcoming Rise Gardens cookbook! Hydroponic lettuce can yield up to 11 harvests per year compared to just 2-3 in soil, so chances are you've got plenty of fresh ingredients to experiment with. Stock up on new varieties with our seed pod collection and get inspired. Here's how you can submit your salad recipe for a chance to be featured:
Facebook Group: If you are a current customer, submit your photo and recipe in our Rise Gardens Facebook Group.
Instagram: Post your photo on Instagram or Instagram Stories and tag @risegardens.
We can't wait to see your delicious and innovative salad creations!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a summer salad high in protein?
Adding ingredients like grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, quinoa, or edamame significantly boosts the protein content of any salad. Pairing these proteins with fresh greens grown at home makes for a nutritious, satisfying meal.
Can I grow salad greens at home for protein-packed salads?
Growing your own greens with a Rise Garden ensures you always have fresh, nutrient-dense leaves on hand for high-protein salads. Freshly harvested greens contain higher levels of vitamins and antioxidants compared to store-bought produce that has been in transit for days.
What is the best plant-based protein to add to a salad?
Chickpeas, lentils, black beans, and hemp seeds are excellent plant-based proteins that complement nearly any salad flavor profile. A half-cup of chickpeas adds approximately 7 grams of protein along with a satisfying texture.
How do I keep a high-protein salad fresh for meal prep?
Store dressing separately and keep proteins and greens in different containers to prevent wilting during meal prep. Harvesting greens directly from your Rise Garden right before serving is the best way to ensure maximum freshness and crunch.
