Yummy (and healthy) ideas for Bank Holiday BBQs

As we can meet with friends and family outdoors I imagine we will all be smelling BBQs firing up over the weekend.  Here are a couple of simple side dishes that will help to balance the meat with some freshness and colour.  By loading up your plate with veggies, beans and pulses you will be helping to support your gut health by increasing fibre and providing food for the healthy bacteria that live there.  Colourful food also increases levels of antioxidants, which help protect cells from environmental damage, stress and day-to-day living.

Coleslaw

• ½ a white or red cabbage (red has higher levels of healthy antioxidants)
• one red or white onion
• 2 carrots
• One green apple (optional)
• mayonnaise mixed with natural yogurt or creme fraiche

Use a sharp knife, or a food processor if you have one, to finely slice the cabbage and onion.  Grate the carrots and cut the apple into thin sticks. Mix together in a large bowl then mix in enough yogurt/mayonnaise to lightly coat the veggies.

Bean salad with zingy dressing (thanks to my lovely sister for sharing her recipe)

Mix 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.  Add a teaspoon of whole grain mustard and  a crushed clove of garlic.  Whisk together and season to taste with a little salt, pepper or herbs of your choice. 

Mix the dressing through two tins of beans or pulses (e.g. chickpeas, red kidney beans, cannellini beans) to coat. Add some chopped red pepper for extra crunch.