AOC Nutrition Recommended Recipes: Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Eat Healthy For Immune System Boost with AOC Nutrition Recommended Recipes
Eating well is key to maintaining strength, energy, and a healthy immune system. In addition, because HIV can lead to immune suppression, food safety and proper hygiene are concerns when it comes to preventing infections. A healthy diet is essential to maintaining good health across your lifespan.
Protein is an important macronutrient that builds and repairs your muscles and strengthens bones. Getting enough protein is important for managing chronic diseases such as diabetes and HIV. Individuals living with HIV who are symptomatic may need additional protein. Foods high in protein include lean beef, chicken, salmon, eggs, low-fat dairy, peanut butter, beans such as chickpeas (garbanzos). A ½ cup of chickpeas has 6 grams of protein, and 4 oz cooked chicken breast has 35 grams of protein. Try our protein-packed recipe and leave us a comment on how you liked it.
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 12 cups
Ingredients
½ cup finely diced red onion
2 cans reduced-sodium chickpeas (15-oz cans), rinsed and drained
1 ½ cups chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (~1 bunch)
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 orange bell pepper or yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
½ large seedless cucumber, chopped (about 2 cups)
½ cup mozzarella or feta cheese
2-3 tablespoons of Italian dressing
Directions
Place the onions in a bowl of cool water and let them soak while you prepare the other ingredients (this removes the harsher bite from the onions, while still giving great flavor).
Place the chickpeas, parsley, bell peppers, cucumber, and feta in a large serving bowl.
Drain the red onions and add them to the chickpea mixture, then pour the Italian dressing over the top. Toss to combine. If time allows, let marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, or enjoy immediately.
Tips:
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving ideas: This salad is lovely as is, but to transform it into a main dish, try it stuffed inside a whole grain or whole wheat pita pocket with hummus, lettuce, mashed avocado, or chicken. You can also serve it over salad with a spritz of lemon juice and drizzle of olive oil.
Source: Erin Clarke
