High-Protein Summer Salad with Diana's Sprouted Granola

A Fresh, Satisfying Salad That Nourishes from the Inside Out

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Summer is the season of vibrant gardens, backyard gatherings, and meals that leave us feeling energized—not weighed down. One of my favorite ways to celebrate the season is with a colorful salad packed with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and, of course, a generous sprinkle of Diana's Sprouted Granola.

You may think granola only belongs at breakfast, but our sprouted granola adds a delicious crunch, satisfying high-protein nutrition, and wholesome sprouted goodness to savory dishes too.

Made with sprouted nuts and seeds, our grain-free granola is a simple way to add plant-based protein, healthy fats, minerals, and fiber to your favorite summer recipes.

Why This High-Protein Salad Is So Nourishing

Every ingredient in this recipe brings something unique to the table.

Mixed Lettuce

Fresh leafy greens are naturally rich in vitamins A, C, and K, along with folate and antioxidants that support overall wellness. They create a crisp, refreshing base while adding hydration thanks to their high water content.

Yellow Sweet Pepper

Sweet peppers are one of nature's richest sources of vitamin C. They also contain beta-carotene and antioxidants that help protect cells from everyday oxidative stress while adding beautiful color and natural sweetness.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are nearly 95% water, making them wonderfully hydrating during warm summer months. They're refreshing, crisp, and provide small amounts of vitamin K and potassium.

Sugar Snap Peas

These crunchy little gems offer fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and plant-based protein while adding natural sweetness and satisfying texture.

Celery

Celery contributes hydration, fiber, and naturally occurring antioxidants. Its refreshing crunch perfectly balances the softer ingredients.

Dried Cranberries or Cherries

These add a touch of natural sweetness along with antioxidants called polyphenols. Choose varieties with minimal added sugar whenever possible.

Fresh Apple

Apples provide dietary fiber, particularly pectin, which supports digestive health. Their crisp texture and natural sweetness brighten every bite.

Green Onion

Green onions contribute mild flavor while providing vitamin K and naturally occurring plant compounds that support a balanced diet.

Fresh Basil

Fresh basil isn't just aromatic—it contains antioxidants and adds bright, herbaceous flavor that makes this salad taste like summer.

Original Sprouted Granola

This granola is made with sprouted pecans, cashews, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and flaxseeds, creating a nutrient-dense blend rich in plant-based protein, healthy fats, fiber, and naturally occurring vitamins and minerals like magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, and vitamin E. The sprouting process helps reduce phytic acid, making nutrients more bioavailable and the nuts and seeds easier to digest. Organic maple syrup and raw honey provide a touch of natural sweetness, while coconut flakes and coconut oil contribute satisfying texture and healthy fats. A pinch of sea salt enhances the flavor and supplies naturally occurring trace minerals. Together, these wholesome ingredients provide lasting energy, help promote fullness, support digestive health.Sprouting improves digestibility and helps increase the availability of naturally occurring nutrients while reducing phytic acid.

The Sprouted Difference

The star of this recipe is Diana's Sprouted Granola.

Unlike traditional granolas made with oats and refined sugars, our grain-free sprouted granola is handcrafted using sprouted nuts and seeds.

Sprouting is a traditional preparation method that begins the natural germination process. This can:

• Improve digestibility

• Reduce naturally occurring phytic acid

• Increase nutrient availability

• Make minerals easier for the body to absorb

• Preserve naturally occurring protein and healthy fats

Each serving provides approximately 4–5 grams of protein, along with fiber and healthy fats to help create a more satisfying meal.

Adding sprouted granola to salads may sound unexpected, but once you try it, you'll wonder why you didn't sooner!

The Dressing

Simple ingredients often make the best dressings.

Homemade Yogurt or Buttermilk

Adds creaminess, protein, and beneficial cultures (when using live-culture yogurt).

Sweet Balsamic Vinegar

Provides tangy sweetness while naturally complementing fresh fruits and vegetables.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

A staple of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and naturally occurring polyphenols.

Salt & Pepper

A pinch of quality mineral-rich salt helps bring all the flavors together and fresh, black pepper significantly enhances nutrient absorption due to a powerful active compound called piperine.

Diana's Summer Salad

Ingredients:

Salad

• 1 cup Diana's Original Sprouted Granola

• 6 cups mixed lettuce

• ½ yellow sweet pepper

• 2 small cucumbers

• 1 cup chopped sugar snap peas

• ½ cup celery

• ½ cup dried cranberries or dried cherries

• ⅓ apple

• 3 tablespoons chopped green onion

• ⅔ cup fresh basil leaves

  
  

Dressing

• ½ cup homemade yogurt or buttermilk

• 3 tablespoons sweet balsamic vinegar

• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Directions:

Slice and chop all salad ingredients to your preferred size.

Combine all dressing ingredients in a glass jar with a lid and shake well until smooth.

Diana's Favorite Salad Tip

For the freshest salad every time:

Place the dressing in the bottom of your serving bowl.

Layer the vegetables and basil on top without tossing.

Cover and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.

Just before serving, toss everything together and finish with a generous sprinkle of Diana's Sprouted Granola for that irresistible yummy finish.

High-Protein Summer Meal

This salad makes a wonderful light lunch on its own or can be paired with grilled chicken, wild-caught salmon, or chickpeas for even more protein.

The combination of:

• Fresh vegetables

• Healthy fats

• Fiber

• High-protein sprouted granola

• Sprouted nuts and seeds

These ingredients create a balanced meal that satisfies without feeling heavy.

Bring Sprouted Goodness to Every Meal

Our sprouted granola isn't just for breakfast. It adds crunch, protein, and wholesome nutrition to salads, yogurt parfaits, smoothie bowls, and snacks throughout the day.

Try this summer salad at your next picnic, backyard barbecue, or family dinner—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy sprouted granola!

Let us know what you think of this Salad Recipe!

Bee Well,

Diana's Sprouted 🐝