Simple Vegan Garbanzo Bean Salad for Beautiful Skin!

Simple Vegan Garbanzo Bean Salad for Beautiful Skin!

Recipe by Maria Graceffo

4.7 from 3 votes

Course: Brunch, Lunch, Side DishCuisine: SaladDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Calories

150

kcal

Total time

20

minutes

This salad is a great side dish, or equally as good eaten on its own.
It is packed with skin-healthy ingredients (see below for nutritional information.)
This recipe is easy to prepare, satisfying, and delicious. I find myself making it often, sometimes pairing it with quinoa for added protein. I love the fresh ingredients; they’re extra delicious with lime to enhance their flavors.
Always Serve Cold for best taste! Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 15 oz organic canned garbanzo beans

• 2 diced tomatoes

• 1 medium diced cucumber

• 1/4 cup chopped onion

• 1 medium lime, juiced

• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• Optional Additions

• 1 small sliced green pepper

• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds (raw is best)

• 1/2 teaspoon fresh or dried basil

• 1-2 dashes black pepper

• 1-2 dashes cumin powder

• 1-2 tablespoons organic soy sauce

Directions

• Open the can of garbanzo beans and drain. Place in large bowl.
• Chop the onions, tomatoes, cucumber, and cilantro or parsley, and place in large salad bowl.
• With a juicer, juice the lime, adding the pulp if you enjoy a tangy salad.
• Stir the lime into the beans and vegetables until everything is saturated.
• Add the olive oil and mix again.
• Add spices to taste and mix well.

WHY THESE INGREDIENTS ARE SKIN-HEALTHY:

GARBANZO BEANS (also known as chickpeas) contain:

• Protein to build collagen (IF you serve this as a full meal, add a grain like quinoa or brown rice, to make it a complete protein. They are only lacking one of the essential amino acids – methionine)
• Soluble Fiber to slow the absorption of sugars thus helping to prevent collagen breakdown
• Vitamin C, copper, and zinc to build collagen for firm skin

Aside from being healthy for your skin, garbanzos may lower your risk for certain cancers, and help to keep you feeling full.

TOMATOES contain:

• Vitamin C for collagen growth
• Lycopene for sun protection
• Fiber to slow blood sugar spikes and keep collagen healthy

In addition, Lycopene has been shown to be associated with a decreased risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.

CUCUMBERS contain:

• Vitamin C for collagen protein growth
• Silica for smooth, firm skin
• Antioxidants to protect skin cells

Additionally, Cucumber has a cleansing action within the body by removing accumulated pockets of old waste materials and chemical toxins.

ONIONS contain:

• Sulfur to increase circulation
• Bioflavonoids to protect the cells and to grow collagen
• Anti-bacterial properties when applied directly, to protect against breakouts and skin tags

In addition, regular consumption of onions has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, cataract, DNA damage, vascular and heart diseases.

LIMES contain:

• High amounts of vitamin C to build collagen
• Flavonoids and limonoids for anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory protection
• Vitamins A, E, and B (thiamine, riboflavin and niacin), for cell growth and increased circulation

For extra skin-protective, as well as cancer-preventive properties, grate the peel and use the pith in your cooking also!

CILANTRO AND PARSLEY contain:

• Vitamins C, A, and E for collagen support, cell growth, and antioxidant protection.
• Chelating properties (especially cilantro) to help rid the body of metals
• Sulfur (especially parsley) for bringing blood circulation and glow to the skin

You can use these together or interchangeably, as they are both delicious additions to soups and salads!

For more on healthy-skin foods, try my SMOOTHIE recipe!

What are your favorite recipes for beautiful skin? Share in the comments section below!