The detox has begun. For a hearty meal that’s light enough to counteract the three weeks of eating cheese balls and chocolate, we recommend this white bean salad. After all, beans aren’t called the "magical fruit" for nothing.

Post-Holiday White Bean Salad

1 can of white beans, drained
½ cup of chopped parsley
2 handfuls of cherry tomatoes cut in half (regular tomatoes diced can also be used)
¼ of a red onion diced or use chives if onions are too strong
Large lemon wedge
1 tbls of balsamic vinegar
1 tbls of olive oil
¼ teaspoon of sea salt

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl (the last four can be mixed separately before adding).

Season with more lemon and/or salt to taste and enjoy, or shall we say detox.

After a recent Italian excursion, we’ve brought back our own Italia-inspired recipe for a simple salad that has a little fall colour and flavour.

Ingredients

1 bag of salad mixed with a healthy portion of arugula (if the mix already contains arugula, add more as you want plenty of its strong flavour)
2 vine ripened tomatoes sliced
Half a can of pitted ripe black olives (drained)
Half a can of sweet corn (simple Green Giant will do)

Method

Top with freshly grated parmesan and drizzle lightly with olive oil.
Dress with a sweet balsamic vinegar and coarse salt.