It’s hot outside! Luckily, we’re feeling cool as a cucumber thanks to this Green Goddess Salad. Made from a hydrating blend of cucumber and lettuce, and dressed with a tasty combination of ingredients that include Lifeway Kefir and Lifeway Farmer Cheese, this easy-to-make salad is a refreshing addition to any meal. The combined power of cucumber, Lifeway Kefir, and Lifeway Farmer Cheese is sure to make your gut happy because cucumbers have soluble fiber and vitamin K, and Lifeway products are loaded with probiotics. It’s a double dose of microbiome nourishment.
Cultured Dairy: The Nutrition Benefits You Actually Need to Know
With increasing research linking the correlation between probiotics, gut health, and immunity, it’s no secret that the integrity of our gut is vital to our health. Although additional factors such as stress, antibiotic usage, and individual health conditions can contribute to the condition of our gut, a focus on healthy food choices is one of the easiest ways to support the microbiome.
Several studies have shown a strong association between the gut-brain-microbiota. Probiotics introduced to the gut have been found to support immunity, improve allergies, and improve digestion.
Studies have shown that reduced diversity of healthy gut bacteria during early years is associated with an increase in food allergies during school-age years. In addition, kefir made from whole fat milk helps absorb key nutrients such as Vitamins A, D, E, and K. Vitamin K is important because it helps your bones absorb calcium. It’s important to know that kefir contains a special trio: vitamin D, K, and calcium – all three crucial elements to support bone health. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is also a great source of all these nutrients, just in a different format for all the cheese lovers out there.
Prebiotics + Probiotics = A Healthier You
Prebiotics are non-living, non-digestible carbohydrates naturally found in a variety of fiber-rich plant foods. Your body actually can’t digest prebiotics, so they’re what probiotics feed off of to remain actively working in your digestive system. They help the digestive system by promoting the growth of good bacteria. Prebiotics and probiotics work together in balance to make sure our digestive system stays on track and regular. Research has found that consuming a variety of prebiotic and probiotic food sources may improve your body’s natural functions, including both your immune and digestive systems.
Prep Time: 10 mins Servings: 5-6Ingredients
- 1 small iceberg lettuce, finely chopped
- 3-4 cucumbers, diced
- 1 bunch green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup chives, sliced
- Dressing:
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 1 cup spinach
- 1/3 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup Farmer Cheese
- 2 tbsp Plain Lowfat Kefir
Directions
- Chop all salad ingredients until and toss in a large bowl.
- In a blender or food processor, blend together all dressing ingredients.
- Top chopped veggies with dressing and additional farmer cheese chunks. Enjoy!