Cucumber Salad for Belly Fat Loss
This refreshing and healthy cucumber salad is perfect for anyone looking to lose belly fat. With its crunchy texture and tangy dressing, it’s a great addition to any meal, and its low-calorie ingredients are great for weight loss!
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
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2 cups shredded cabbage (green or Napa)
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1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
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1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
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2 green onions, chopped
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2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing:
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Full Recipe:
1. Prepare the Salad:
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In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage, sliced cucumber, red bell pepper, and chopped green onions. If using, add the chopped fresh dill or parsley for added flavor.
2. Make the Dressing:
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
3. Toss the Salad:
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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until the vegetables are well coated with the dressing.
4. Serve:
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Serve immediately or refrigerate for 30 minutes for a chilled, more flavorful salad.
Notes:
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Greek Yogurt Substitute: For a lighter version of this salad, replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, which adds extra protein and reduces the calorie count.
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Vegetable Variations: You can add other vegetables like carrots, radishes, or even a handful of leafy greens to this salad for variety.
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Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for a day or two, making it a great option for meal prepping.
Tips:
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Crunchy Texture: Make sure to slice the cucumber thinly to get a satisfying crunch with every bite.
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Spicy Option: If you like a bit of spice, add a small diced jalapeño or red pepper flakes to the dressing.
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Flavor Boost: For more flavor, try adding a small amount of honey or stevia to the dressing for a slightly sweet balance.
Servings:
This recipe serves 2-3 people as a side dish or light meal.
Nutritional Info (per serving, based on 3 servings):
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Calories: 100 kcal
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Carbs: 7g
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Fat: 7g
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Protein: 2g
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Fiber: 3g
Benefits:
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Low in Calories: This salad is perfect for weight loss as it’s low in calories and packed with fiber from the vegetables.
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Hydrating: Cucumbers are high in water content, which helps keep you hydrated and supports digestion.
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Nutrient-Rich: The addition of cabbage, bell peppers, and herbs adds important vitamins like Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and antioxidants, which promote overall health.
Q&A for Cucumber Salad:
Q: Can I add other vegetables to this salad? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other crunchy vegetables like carrots, radishes, or even zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Q: Can I use a different dressing? A: Yes! You can use a simple vinaigrette made of olive oil, vinegar, and a bit of mustard, or a dairy-free dressing if you prefer.
Q: How do I make this salad more filling? A: To make this salad more filling, add some protein, such as grilled chicken, chickpeas, or tofu. You could also serve it with a whole grain like quinoa or brown rice.
Q: How long can I store this salad? A: This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may cause the vegetables to soften over time, so it’s best to eat it fresh.