Crunch & Greens: Micro Salad with Crackling Pork
This isn’t just a salad — it’s a proper battle of textures and flavors. You’ve got crisp, golden pork belly (yes, the crackling sings), tangled with peppery microgreens, ribbons of carrot, and fresh apple slices. Topped with a bold herby dressing that bites back. Clean eating? Yes. Boring? Hell no.
🥗 Ingredients (Serves 2)
For the Salad
- 1 cup microgreens (radish, sunflower, or pea shoots)
- 1 medium carrot, shaved into ribbons
- ½ apple, thinly sliced (use a sweet-crisp variety like Fuji or Pink Lady)
- 1 tbsp feta or cotija cheese, crumbled (optional)
For the Crispy Pork
- 200g pork belly, skin scored
- Salt, to taste
- Neutral oil
For the Green Dressing
- 1 cup fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or basil)
- 1 garlic clove
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Method
1. Make the Pork Sing
- Dry the pork skin with a paper towel. Leave it uncovered in the fridge for an hour or overnight — you want that skin bone dry.
- Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Rub salt into the skin like it owes you money.
- Roast for 35–40 minutes until the skin puffs and turns golden, then rest it.
- Slice into thick, crunchy bites right before serving.
2. Whip Up the Green Magic
- Blend the herbs, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and seasoning until smooth. It should be vibrant, tangy, and herbaceous — not a soupy mess.
3. Toss the Salad Like You Mean It
- In a bowl, gently mix the microgreens, carrot ribbons, and apple slices.
- Drizzle the green dressing sparingly. You want everything kissed, not drowned.
4. Plating Like a Pro
- Pile the salad high on one side of the plate.
- Lay the crispy pork slices proudly on the other.
- Crumble a touch of cheese over the salad for contrast.
- Optional: Extra drizzle of the herb sauce on top (because yes, it’s that good).
Why It’s a Winner for the Health-Conscious
- Balanced macros: Clean veg, good fat, and quality protein.
- Microgreens: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants — way more potent than mature greens.
- Herb dressing: Ditch the bottled junk and let real flavors shine.
- No added sugar, no nonsense.
