Pregnancy power salad

A delicious, satisfying salad ticks all the pregnancy boxes.

SERVES 2

This delicious, satisfying salad ticks all the pregnancy boxes: it is quick to make, contains protein in the form of tuna and eggs, carbohydrates (and protein) with the canned beans, and a serve of the all-important five vegetables. It is also a terrific lunchbox staple – the dressing can be made the night before and the eggs can cook while you have your morning shower.

Power salad
4 eggs
100 g baby cos leaves, washed, dried and torn
50 g wild rocket, washed and dried
50 g baby spinach, washed and dried
1 × 400 g can cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
(optional)
1 roma tomato, cut into wedges
1 small cucumber, halved lengthways and sliced
8 Sicilian green olives
1 × 185 g can tuna in oil, drained
2 teaspoons salted capers, rinsed
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Dijon dressing
¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ small clove garlic, finely chopped
pinch of sea salt
2 teaspoons lemon juice or aged red-wine vinegar
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (or 2 tablespoons
lemon-infused extra virgin olive oil)

Place the eggs in a small saucepan, cover with water and slowly bring to the boil over low heat. Simmer for 9 minutes, then remove and place in a bowl of cold water. When cool enough to handle, peel and cut into quarters.

Meanwhile, for the dressing, combine the mustard, garlic and sea salt in a small bowl. Slowly add the lemon juice and olive oil, stirring constantly until emulsified.

Place the lettuce, rocket, spinach, cannellini beans, tomato, cucumber and olives in a large bowl, then drizzle with dressing and gently toss to combine. Top with flakes of tuna and the quartered hard-boiled eggs, and scatter with the capers.

Season to taste and serve immediately.

Source: Eating for two, Kathleen Gandy  | Photos by: Mark O'Meara

Pregnant? Confused about what to eat? What not to eat? What to cook when you're in the throes of morning sickness?

Eating for two is the new book by Kathleen Gandy. You'll find over 100 recipes that will make cooking and eating during pregnancy a pleasurable experience. Covering everything from light breakfasts and lunches to delicious dinners and late-night treats, These simple recipes are sure to become favourites during your pregnancy and beyond.