TYPE: Salad, Appetizer        PREP TIME: < 15 mins

Goodies Needed

• Green Leaf Lettuce (preferably organic)
• Fresh Seedless Mandarins  (preferably organic)
• Kalamata Olives
• Fresh Mini Bocconcini Cheese
• Sesame Seeds
• Mandarin Dressing (or your favorite fruit vinaigrette)

* Quantities depend on number of people you are serving and portion sizes

Morton & Bassett Organic Sesame Seed, 2.4-Ounce Jars (Pack of 3)

Price: $37.34

( customer reviews)

1 used & new available from $37.34

Preparation Steps

• Rinse lettuce leafs and remove excess water using salad spinner
• Cut up lettuce leafs with a knife, vertically and horizontally into bite size pieces
• Peel and cut up mandarin slices into small pieces
• Cut up the Kalamata olives into slices
• Cut mini Bocconcini cheese into quarters
• Place desired amount of lettuce into a bowl and follow with the mandarins, olives and cheese quarters
• Sprinkle the salad with sesame seeds and drizzle with dressing (if desired)
• It makes a uniquely tasting salad due to the mix of the mandarins and olives
• Enjoy and come back and let me know how you liked it

Meal Nutritional Benefits

Green lettuce:

• good source of: water, fiber, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A, vitamin C and magnesium
• contain antioxidant properties to prevent cancer, enhance healthy immune function and promote a healthy digestive system
• for more information, visit the green leaf lettuce detailed overview from About.com

Mandarins:

• adds sweetness and tang to the salad
• good source of (in descending order): vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, vitamin B1, calcium, magnesium, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, phosphorus, manganese, copper, iron and vitamin E
• contain antioxidant properties to prevent cancer, enhance healthy immune function and promote overall good health
• for more information, visit the mandarin detailed overview from the Nutrition Data site

Olives:

• great source of monounsaturated fats
• good source of (in descending order): iron, vitamin E, fiber and copper
• have anti-inflammatory compounds, have antioxidant properties for fighting cancers and offer protection from heart disease
• for more information, visit the olives detailed overview from World’s Healthiest Foods

Bocconcini Cheese:

• adds a delicate, chewy texture to salad
• benefits include: low-fat, source of essential amino acids and calcium

Sesame Seeds:

• adds texture to the salad through a delicate crunch
• good source of (in descending order): copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, vitamin B1 and fiber
• have cholesterol lowering effect, work to prevent high blood pressure, protect liver from oxidative damage and increase vitamin E stores in 
• for more information, visit the sesame seeds detailed overview from World’s Healthiest Foods

About the author:
Evita Ochel, B.Sc., B.Ed., CHN - is a certified holistic nutritionist, biologist, educator, writer, researcher and speaker in the areas of health, science and holistic wellness. She is a nutritional science expert and her teaching and writing focus on natural, wholesome, plant-based and organic nutrition to achieve optimal health and longevity. Learn more about Evita Ochel or Follow Evita Ochel on Twitter.