Healthy Microgreen Chard Salad in 10 minutes

Do you ever crave a salad that is not just a bowl of nutrients with boring bland flavor? Microgreen Chard Salad is a bowl full of a variety of flavors and nutrients. This salad will be done in 10 minutes and will surely satisfy your appetite.

Microgreen Chard Salad is vegan and full of nutritional values which you can check in the ingredients list below making it a wholesome and a must-have salad in everyday meals.
There is no long process to be followed to make this salad or any complicated techniques that you can fail at. It is a simple salad with lots of vegetables and a simple flavorful dressing.

What are Microgreens?

If you are asking what Microgreens are exactly – They are young seedlings of edible vegetables or herbs. Large vegetables take months to grow but microgreens can be harvested or eaten after 10 days.
MIcrogreen Chard is incredibly rich in vitamins A, C, and K and is full of protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, packed with tons of flavor even in small quantities.

Farming of microgreens first started in southern California in the 1980s. Earlier microgreens were served only in restaurants as a garnish because they were rare and expensive. They gained popularity in the 1990s. Now microgreens can be seen in local farmer’s markets and grocery stores throughout the US. Until now there are over 87 different varieties of microgreen with their own distinct flavor.

What Do microgreens taste like?

All microgreens taste milder than their adult versions. Their taste ranges from bitter, peppery, and nutty to sweet.

What is the best way to eat Microgreens?

The best way to eat microgreens is to eat them raw, cooking them will reduce the nutrient level and ruins the delicate flavor. They can also be used to garnish soups, dips, and meat dishes. Use them as a filling in wraps, sandwiches, tacos, and burgers. The best way to get all the proteins, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes is to eat it as a microgreen chard salad. Serve this microgreen chard salad with fresh grilled fish or chicken.

The flavor profile of microgreens is similar to that of their full-sized versions. Pick a microgreen variety that will compliment the main dish and add more depth to the flavor.

How to grow Microgreens?

Things you will need

• Glass/Ceramic container with a lid
• Grow mat or pad
• Sprouting seeds
• Water
• Window

How do grow them?

1. Soaked the sprouting seeds for 6-8 hours in water. Soaking helps them sprout faster
2. Drain the soaked seeds.
3. Prepare a growing mat according to the size of the glass or ceramic container you will be using.
4. Soak the growing mat well with water, a natural jute mat is preferable.
5. Place the drenched mat at the bottom of the container.
6. Spread out 2 tablespoons of the soaked seeds evenly on the 5×7 inch growing mat
7. Spray some water.
8. Cover with a lid and place near the window until the seeds sprout. This can take up to 5 days in cold climates.
9. Once the seeds are sprouted, open the lid and let vibrant green leaves appear.
10. Water them daily to keep the growing mat moist
11. Wait for the microgreens to grow one niche above the container

Do we need a great source of light?

No, microgreens can grow even in dead winters if placed near the window. Microgreens take around 2 weeks to grow in colder climates whereas 5-7 days in warmer climates.

Does ph matter for microgreens?

Microgreens will grow best in a slightly acidic environment, with a ph between 6 and 6.5. They can survive between the range of 5.5 to 7 but prefer a narrower, almost neutral range of ph.

What are the healthiest microgreens?

The most nutrient-dense microgreen is broccoli sprouts. They contain glucoraphanin and sulforaphane which are known to prevent cancer. Highest in minerals and vitamins.

Mustards, Peas, Beets, Garden cress, and Radishes are the most flavorful microgreens. They are zestier than their older counterparts.

Which microgreen seeds can be grown on a growing mat?

Broccoli, kale, peas arugula, radish or spicy radish, chia, mustard, beet, chard, cabbage, buckwheat, basil, cilantro, and fenugreek.

Can regular seeds be Used to grow microgreens?

 In most cases yes, you can use regular seeds for microgreens. There is nothing special about microgreen seeds. When growing microgreens it’s the stage of growth and method of harvesting that sets them apart

Ingredients for Microgreen Chard Salad

• Microgreen chards are good for the diet as they have fewer calories.
• Red Radishes are full of vitamins E, A, C, B6, and K. packed with antioxidants, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, phosphorous, zinc, and fiber.
• Celery is rich in phthalides. It is loaded with antioxidants which are flavonoids, and bergapten all of this help to prevent stress and the risk of cancer.
• Cucumber promoted hydration, aids in weight loss, lowers blood sugar, is low in calories, and is high in vitamins and minerals.
• Cherry Tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, and Potassium.
• Red Bell Peppers are the healthiest as they stay on the vine for the longest period. Green is harvested first then they turn yellow, and orange, and then we get red ones. It has antioxidants that protect our body from cardiovascular disease and some cancers.
• Parsley is widely used in western Middle Eastern, Europe, and American cuisine.
• Apple Cider Vinegar may boost skin health, boost stomach acid production, and improves the assimilation of nutrients.
• Olive Oil – main ingredient is ‘Monounsaturated Fats’ which helps reduce bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. It is gluten-free, sugar-free, and sodium free.

As you can see each and every ingredient in Microgreen Chard Salad has some nutritional value

Direction for Microgreen Chard Salad

Preparations before making Microgreen Chard Salad

Step1

Cut the microgreen chards from the soil. and wash thoroughly removing soil from the bottom if any. Wash other salad ingredients too.

Step2

On a wooden chopping board, cut the leafy part of the radishes and the small tail at the bottom. Place the radish horizontally and cut them in roundels.

Step3

Chop off the leafy part and bottom of the celery. Align the stack of celery and chop in vertically or horizontally are per your choice.

Step4

Peel off the cucumber if you wish to and slice it too in roundels.

Step5

Cut cherry tomatoes in halves. For small chunks dice them, i.e. cut them in half and cut the half tomato in four parts.

Step6

An easy way to cut bell pepper is, to cut off the top and the bottom. Take the top and pop out the stem. Set the pepper upright and cut one side of the pepper. Turn it back on its side (horizontally) and cut through the pepper cutting through the ribs and removing the seeds. Cut it vertically for salad

Step7

Pat dry parsley after washing. Place the stem between the index finger and thumb so that the leaves are aligned above the fingers. Break the stem and store it in the freeze to use in stock. Place your guiding hand over the parsley and chop. Mince it in a rocking motion going up and down

Preparations for microgreen chard salad are done, now let’s get to the final process.

Step8

In a large mixing bowl add all these salad ingredients, microgreen chard, roundels of radish and cucumber, chopped celery, cherry tomatoes, red bell pepper, and minced parsley.

Step9

For microgreen chard salad dressing:
Mix all the dressing ingredients in a small bowl, apple cider vinegar, dry mustard powder, olive oil, salt, and ground pepper.

Step10

Mix the dressing ingredients with salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Taste and adjust salt and lemon juice as per taste.

Nutritious Vegan Microgreen Chard Salad is ready

Why would you love this recipe?

Why wouldn’t you love this Microgreen Chard Salad? It is wholesome yet with low carbs, nutritious, and has a flavorful dressing. Dip your fork in a delicious bowl of microgreen chard salad. It is vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, grain-free, and colorful.

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