| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 10 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 300 | 6g | 1g | 60g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 40g | 8g | 4g | 0.1g |
Opening a fresh, vibrant bowl of my Grilled Velvet Bean Pod Salad triggers an instant flood of senses. From the tantalizing aroma reaching your nostrils to the bountiful array of colors dancing in your eyes, each element of this dazzling recipe carries an essence of California, my sunny homeland. This dish, much like the Golden State itself, merges healthfulness with indulgence, making each bite a harmony of wholesome nutrients and delectable flavors.
A Celebration of Health and Taste
Featuring bounteous fresh fruits, succulent berries, and the star component – velvet bean pods, this salad makes for a refreshing and nutritious accompaniment at your dinner table. These sweet and tender beans from the tropical regions are a treasure trove of vital nutrients like proteins, dietary fibers, various vitamins, and minerals. According to Healthline, velvet beans are known to have potential benefits that include boosting brain health, improving mood, and reducing stress.
The Art of Balancing Flavors
The Grilled Velvet Bean Pod Salad possesses a remarkable balance of flavors that you can’t ignore. The tang of aromatic cider vinegar intertwined with the pure sweetness of honey, and the citrusy punch of freshly squeezed orange juice gives this delectable recipe its one-of-a-kind dressing. The earthy, grilled velvet bean pods, along with a burst of fresh juices from strawberries, peaches, and watermelon create a palate-enchanting spectrum of flavors. The dish, subtly concluding with the fresh coolness of finely chopped mint leaves, leaves me in awe every single time.
What’s more, the high fiber content in fruits and beans aids digestion, and the antioxidants found in berries are a boon for your skin and overall health, as suggested by Harvard Health Blog.
Complementing Your Culinary Adventures
Whether you are hosting a summer BBQ party or simply planning a festive family dinner, this refreshing salad complements a wide variety of main courses. It can stand out beautifully alongside a hearty roast chicken or a creamy fettuccine Alfredo. If you want to immerse yourself fully into the spirit of healthful eating, pair it with a quinoa and roasted pepper chili. The contrasting textures and flavors will make your meal times phenomenally delightful.
Laid back, vibrant, and filled with the freshness of nature, this Grilled Velvet Bean Pod Salad captures the essence of my Californian roots. The fusion of West Coast health-consciousness and classic American comfort makes it a recipe I absolutely cherish and love.
What You’ll Need
- 8 fresh velvet bean pods
- 4 cups mixed fresh berries (like strawberries, blueberries, and blackberries)
- 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
- 1 apple, cored and diced
- 3 peaches, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 watermelon, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 10 fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil for grilling
Method
Step One
Start by grilling the velvet bean pods. Preheat the grill on medium heat and lightly brush the pods with olive oil. Place them on the grill for about 15-20 minutes, turning them occasionally until they become tender and nicely charred.
Step Two
While the velvet bean pods are grilling, prepare the fruit. Combine the mixed berries, kiwi slices, diced apple, peach slices, and watermelon pieces in a large salad bowl.
Step Three
Once the velvet bean pods have cooled down, remove the beans from the pod and add them to the fruit salad.
Step Four
Now, we will prepare a dressing for the salad. In a small bowl, mix together the fresh squeezed orange juice, honey, and apple cider vinegar. Stir the dressing until the honey is completely dissolved.
Step Five
Pour the dressing over the fruit and bean mixture in the salad bowl and toss everything together gently to ensure that the fruit and beans are well coated with the dressing.
Step Six
Top the salad with the finely chopped fresh mint leaves before serving. This will add a refreshing and tangy flavor to your Grilled Velvet Bean Pod Salad. Enjoy your meal!
