Salads
When I was growing up, lettuce leaves were used mainly for decoration. We hardly had fresh lettuce in the shops and the only lettuce I remember is iceberg. It's a different story now as a variety of lettuce is grown in the green houses of Iceland.
I often create a monster salad for dinner or lunch. By monster salad I mean salad with everything in it but just as an example I would include lettuce of course, cherry tomatoes, peppers, avocado, nuts, seeds, oranges or melons, feta cheese, olives and the list goes on. It's only when I am away from my salads for a lengthy period that I realize how much I miss them. Whenever we travel to Kenya or other places in Africa we try to stay away from the fresh lettuce as they can be contaminated if the water is not clean. Obviously it depends on where you are staying because if you are staying in a nice hotel, you don't have to worry. Buying lettuce by the roadside however would equal a bad tummy for sure. In Kenya, vinegar is used widely and it is almost always used as a dressing on salads. I don't know why but they do this to their tomatoes, peppers and onions as well. And it drives me nuts as I don't like vinegar on salads. So after perhaps 2 weeks of travelling I am literally crying out for a fresh salad (and apples and grapes as well as neither are widely grown in the places we travel in Africa). I try not to complain too much as it would be very rude to the locals and experiencing poverty all around you are just thankful that you HAVE food in your mouth. But as soon as I come home I run to the shops and create a monster salad.
Aduki Bean Sprouts
There are some tools available that are supposed to make your sprouting easier, however I have had fantastic results with just a glass jar and water.
Almond and Cucumber Salad
I know I say this about nearly all my recipes but this one truly is amazingly healthy. It contains healthy fats, calcium, protein, fibre, antioxidants and minerals.
Apple and Tamari Dressing
This is a lovely, fat free salad dressing which can also be served with nut patties, burgers, grilled vegetables and more.
Avocado and Cantaloupe Salad with Lemon Grass Dressing
I love this salad, especially in the summertime. Cantaloupes are packed with Beta Carotene (which are converted into vitamin A in our bodies) and vitamin C and are very good for our eyes.
Avocado Pineapple and Red Onion Salad
This salad is interesting and a bit different. You wouldn't necessarily bet on pineapple and red onion as a duet but it works!
Beet Salad - Two Versions (one spicy, one sweet)
Beets have been gaining more recognition in recent years in Iceland.
Beet Salad with Parmesan and Rocket Leaves
This is the perfect late summer salad. It has vibrant colours and a slightly sweet taste with a peppery kick. I adore beets (beetroots), especially baked as it brings out their subtle sweetness.
Carrot, Pineapple and Sultana Salad
An easy and very healthy salad, the perfect side dish for the barbecue. I have tasted a similar version of this salad several times in Kenya.
Chicken and Grape Salad with a Lightly Spiced Dressing
This is a simple and healthy meal, perfect on a summer's evening or if you want to treat your dinner guests to a very light meal. I often serve it with homemade bread.
Chicken Salad with A Curried Mango Dressing
This is a light salad perfect for the summer picnic at the park (at least if you don't live in Iceland where you are guaranteed that something will blow away from your setting and you will be freez
Chicken Summer Salad
A very summery salad, perfect as a light and healthy meal on a warm summer evening. Although I am vegetarian my husband loves this salad and will sometimes ask me to make it for him.
Chickpea Sprouts
I adore bean sprouts. They are so versatile and delicious. I often eat them as a snack, put them on my sandwich, in a salad or as a side dish with radishes, raisins and oranges.
Coconut and Banana Salad
My sister in law, Elin (who has travelled extensively through Africa along with my brother) often makes this accompaniment and serves with Indian or African food.
Curried Chicken and Grape Salad
This is a simple yet healthy meal, packed with protein and calcium and is also low in fat.
East African Fruit Salad
In every upmarket hotel/lodge I have stayed in when travelling in East Africa (and they are many) a fresh fruit salad is served at the end of a meal.
Kachumbari (Tomato and Onion Salad) from Africa
This recipe was given to my by my sister in law, Lucy Mwangi who is from Kenya. Wherever I have travelled in East Africa, I have always been served a similar salad.
Lunchbox Salad
I often make a large salad as a side dish to a dinner and pack the rest for my lunch the next day.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise which you can buy from your local supermarket is usually absolutely packed with additives and bad stuff.
Moroccan Orange and Olive Salad
This is a exceptionally lovely salad and a bit different than the salads we are used to since there is no lettuce or anything green in it.
Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Salad (Tricolore)
Although my husband doesn't eat cold cheese (only melted...I know...weird) he loves cold mozzarella.
Mung Bean Sprouts
I love bean sprouts. They are so healthy and versatile. I often eat them on their own like a snack or I use them in salads, on sandwiches and even in casseroles.
Mustard Sauce
I use mustard sauce with everything, on my salad, my sandwich, on nut patties, with fish, with grilled vegetables, as a dip for raw vegetables...you name it.
Pineapple and Beetroot Salad from Naivasha
I remember vividly when I saw this salad for the first time. I was in Naivasha, Kenya, at a small lodge just by Lake Naivasha.
Pineapple and Passion Fruit with Toasted Coconut Flakes
This is an extremely easy, cheap and healthy dessert to make.
