Romaine Lettuce Salad with Goji Berries and Roasted Edamame in Honey-Lime Dressing

Come winters, I gravitate to comfort foods like Pizza and Noodles, soups of different kinds, hot bowl of Khichdi and often a mug of hot chocolate to bring in the evenings which are super chilly. With more time indoors, there is a greater tendency to snack on food that is easily accessible. I enjoy nibbling on roasted Soya beans also known as Edamame.

From L to R - Goji Berries, Danish Havarti Cheese and Roasted Edamame

This Salad is one of my personal favorites owing to different combination of textures and flavors. Goji Berries, one of the super foods can be sprinkled on salads, thereby making the bowl more gourmet. Its got a touch of honey and the acidity from the lemon juice which adds a fresh angle to the lettuce. A Salad is boring for me without Cheese and Beans, which I liberally add. While the husband is very fond of Arugula (also known as Rocket), I prefer Romaine lettuce for the crunch and freshness.

~ Romaine Lettuce Salad with Goji Berries and Roasted Edamame ~
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Processing Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
Romaine Lettuce (leaves roughly chopped) - 6 cups

Chickpeas (cooked and lightly salted) - 1 cup

Cucumber (peeled, quartered) - 1/2 cup

Goji Berries - 2 tbsp

Roasted Edamame - 2 tbsp

Carrots (chopped into bits) - 1/3 cup

Danish Havarti Cheese with Jalapenos (cold, cubed into tiny bits) - 2 tbsp

Lime-Honey Dressing -
Extra Virgin/ Light Olive Oil - 1/3 cup
Black Whole Pepper corns (crushed) - 1/2 tsp
Sea Salt
Lime juice - 1 tbsp
Orange zest - 1 tsp
Honey - 1/2 tsp
** Whisk together all ingredients to emulsify **


Method:
Rinse and peel individual salad leaves. Remove the white core and shred the leaves into bite sized pieces. Chop the carrots into tiny bits, cube the cheese block into tiny cubes, chop the cucumber into quarters or half-moon. In a large mixing bowl, mix all the ingredients except bread croutons. Allow to chill for at least 30 minutes. Whisk the dressing and keep it ready. Just before serving, add the dressing to the salad. Toss the salad well. Serve immediately.