Love homemade sprouts? Give this wholesome salad a try that is packed with all kinds of goodness, tons of flavor, and great texture. This simple yet and filling healthy sprout salad (green gram) is super easy to make, full of nutrition, and loaded with veggies. So if you are craving for a light lunch, that is protein-rich, vegan, and gluten-free then this salad will leave you satisfied and full.
Summer is at its peak here, and all I am craving for is no-cook salads. Salads that come together in a jiffy and are non-greasy. And when I think of no-cook summer salad, I think of this colorful, light, and refreshing healthy sprout salad. This salad comes together exceptionally fast using a handful of ingredients and is very versatile. You can pretty much incorporate all the summer veggies you love in this recipe. It is perfect for lunch or a light dinner, or as an accompaniment to any meal.
I normally make this salad as an appetizer for my dinner parties and is always a hit! With every bite, my guests feel the flavors of crunchy veggies and sprouts exploding in their mouth.
What grains and nuts are best to sprout?
Sprouting grains, beans, and nuts have been a common practice in Eastern countries for many years. Studies have found that sprouting (germinating a seed) increases the availability of nutrients in grains, beans, and nuts. Some of the grains, nuts, and seeds that I have sprouted are:
NUTS: I have worked with only Almonds, and they grow well. Soak for 1.5 days and sprouts in 3 days.
BEANS: I have tried a few and below are the soaking and sprouting times
- Chickpeas: soak for a day and sprouts in 2-3 days.
- Mung Beans: full two days of soaking and sprouts in 3-4 days.
- White Beans: soak for 8 hours and sprouts in 2 days.
- Black chickpeas: soak for 8 hours and sprouts in 2 days.
SEEDS: I have sprouted only Alfalfa seeds. Soak for 12 hours and sprouts in 3-4 days.
GRAINS: Experimented with Quinoa and it sprouted well. Soak for 5 hours and sprouts in 2 days.
You can substitute mung beans for any of the above.
Note: germination of a seed depends on weather conditions. The hotter the weather, the fast the seed/grain/nut/bean will germinate.
Are sprouts good for health?
Absolutely!
- Sprouting aids digestion. For some people, it is tough to digest grains, legumes, and seeds because they are hard on their stomach.
- The simple process of sprouting unlocks the essential enzymes in germinated seeds, beans, and grains, making them easier to digest.
- Sprouted seeds are a great source of fiber and are loaded with antioxidants. In reality, a sprouted seed has far more vitamins and nutrients than the dry grain.
- Sprouting is a great way to release all the vital nutrients stored in the dry grains/beans.
- After soaking the sprouted beans, seeds and grains become low in calories, high in fiber and vitamins. They are also a great source of magnesium, riboflavin, vitamins C, and K.
- Sprouted seeds are a great way of incorporating proteins and other healthy nutrients in your diet.
What makes up this Healthy Sprout Salad?
This hearty mix is a powerhouse salad full of wholesome ingredients:
- Potatoes: a good source of fiber and potassium.
- Tomatoes: delivers vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.
- Onions: adds an extra crunch and punch of flavor.
- Refreshing cucumber: a low-calorie food rich in fiber, vitamin C, K, potassium, and magnesium.
- Cilantro leaves: adds a distinctive flavor and color to this salad.
- Lemon Juice: a squeeze of lemon gives it a zesty kick!
- Aromatic spices
When combined in a bowl, these ingredients create a beautiful dish!
How to make a healthy sprout salad?
This is a straightforward recipe that requires simple steps:
- Chop the veggies. Choose whatever vegetables you have on hand. I have mentioned my tested and tried variations below in the post. Feel free to experiment.
- Cook the potatoes until crisp. Allow it to cool comfortably. You can choose other ways to crisp the potatoes – fry the potatoes in oil, or air-fry them or even bake them in a 375 degree F oven until crisp and golden.
- Right before you are ready to eat, toss everything together in a large bowl.
- Add the seasonings, chopped cilantro leaves, and mix.
- ENJOY this nutritious salad bursting with flavor!!
- Can be enjoyed hot or cold. Make ahead and let it chill in the refrigerator. Allow the flavors to mingle for a couple of hours. I have always felt that the flavors get better when served chilled.
Can I refrigerate this Healthy Sprout Salad?
Of course, you can!
Just make sure, do not add any spices or lemon juice to the salad while storing. Simply toss the veggies with sprouts and store. This salad will store well for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, mix in the spices, lemon juice and combine it well.
Can I freeze sprouts?
Many people do, but personally, I like them fresh. But if you want to freeze mung bean sprouts than blanch the raw sprouts in hot water for 2-3 minutes. Allow it to cool, store in an airtight container or plastic bag and freeze.
Other Variations!
Fresh, colorful and easy to put together salads are my go-to recipes for summer. Something that is bursting in flavor and incorporates the fresh farm produce and this salad perfectly fits the bill. As an added bonus, it is completely customizable!
Some other tested and tried yum additions would be:
- Avocados
- Caramelized or Steamed carrots
- Charred Corn kernels
- Potatoes can be swapped with sweet potatoes
- Pan tossed nuts like walnuts or slivered almonds
- Sweet bell peppers
- Scallions
I encourage you to give this salad a try and share your feedback! If you have questions related to this recipe, send me an email and I would be happy to answer them. 🙂
Craving for more, try these other options!
Thanks for reading.💕
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED ON JANUARY 4TH, 2014. UPDATED AND POSTED THE RECIPE AGAIN ON JUNE 6TH, 2019 WITH BETTER PICTURES AND TIPS!
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Healthy Sprout Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups Moong Dal Sprouts
- 1 cup Chopped Onions
- 1 cup Cucumber (peeled and cubed)
- 1 cup Potatoes (pan-fried)
- 1 cup Tomatoes (chopped and without pulp)
- 3 tablespoons Chopped Cilantro
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 teaspoons Chopped Green Chilies
- 2 teaspoons Cumin powder
- 2 teaspoons Chaat Masala
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Transfer sprouts to a large mixing bowl. Follow the link in the ingredients section on how to make sprouts. 👆
- Assemble all the ingredients for the salad. In a bowl add potatoes, tomatoes, onions, and cucumber.
- Give it a good toss. Mix in cilantro, cumin powder, salt, chaat masala, and lemon juice. Mix gently, you can use forks to mix the salad. (see step by step pictures above 👆)
- Adjust your seasoning. And enjoy the salad -with every bite you will feel the flavors exploding in your mouth.
- Can't eat raw sprouts, no worries. Try steaming the sprouts. Follow the instructions below. 👇
Nutrition Information
Recipe Notes
Cover the strainer and steam it for 2-3 minutes. Spoon out some sprouts to check if they are soft. How to tell if they are done – they will feel soft in between your fingers. Remove the strainer and allow the sprouts to cool down completely. Do not mix in the salad as the sprouts are soft and they will break. NOTE: Sprouts will lose its original bright color after steaming. 
If using steamed sprouts, then follow these steps: Before adding steamed sprouts, combine all the vegetables in a bowl along with spices, lemon juice, and give it a good toss. Gently stir in the steamed sprouts and toss again. Do the taste test and enjoy! 
Rita says
July 10, 2018 at 9:21 pmNicely described
Ruchi says
July 11, 2018 at 9:23 amThank you!
My MIL thanks you :) says
June 5, 2015 at 7:47 amMade this salad, super good and taste divine. Steamed like you said and my MIL loved it even more (she has teeth problem.. you know old age) She thanks you. Ur recipes are having me glued to the kitchen girl. u rock :0
RK says
June 7, 2015 at 9:25 pmYou are very welcome and regards to your Mother-in-law 🙂 Glad to be of help and thanks for stopping by 🙂
Tanuja Dalvi says
April 30, 2015 at 1:38 pmPictures don’t do the justice but awesome awesome way of doing it! mine were so perfect. for the first time I made these and they were amazing. U r great Ruchi, thanks for making cooking so easier for me. I can’t believe I can cook. Happiness returns to my home and family with your cooking.
RK says
May 1, 2015 at 9:35 amYou really cracked me up..Such a sweet comment. Thankss Tanuja. Keep trying recipes and wish that happiness always stays in your family 🙂