August 25, 2025 | by ANNALIISA KAPP
A refreshing, nutrient-packed salad for stress resilience and cellular health
When life gets overwhelming, food can be more than fuel—it can be functional medicine for body and mind. This Basil, Lima Bean & Cucumber Salad is light, vibrant, and deeply nourishing. Beyond its fresh flavors, each ingredient has been chosen for its unique ability to support a healthy stress response, balance cortisol, and reduce inflammation at the cellular level.
Think of this recipe as more than just a salad—it’s a daily ritual for calm, clarity, and resilience.
Why This Salad Works for Stress Support
🌱 Lima Beans
These creamy gems are packed with magnesium and B vitamins, key players in adrenal function and cortisol metabolism. They also contain resistant starch, which supports gut health and stabilizes blood sugar.
🥒 Cucumber
Crisp, hydrating, and rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like cucurbitacins and lignans. Their high water content also helps buffer cortisol and keeps you cool and refreshed.
🌿 Basil
More than just a garnish, basil contains eugenol, a powerful natural anti-inflammatory, and protective flavonoids that shield the body from oxidative stress linked to elevated cortisol.
🧄 Garlic & Shallots
These flavorful aromatics are rich in organosulfur compounds like allicin, which boost glutathione production (your body’s master antioxidant) and help with hormone clearance through liver detox pathways.
🍋 Olive Oil, Honey & Lime
Olive oil contributes oleocanthal, with ibuprofen-like effects for inflammation relief, while raw honey provides trace minerals and quercetin, which gently modulates the stress-regulating HPA axis. A squeeze of lime ties everything together with vitamin C and brightness.
🍄 The 4 Mushroom Blend (4MB)
This is where the salad becomes a true functional powerhouse:
- Reishi: Calms the nervous system and helps regulate cortisol.
- Lion’s Mane: Supports brain health and reduces stress-induced brain fog.
- Shiitake: Aids immune function and inflammatory balance.
- Maitake: Boosts immunity and optimizes glucose metabolism.
INGREDIENTS
- ¾ cup fresh lima beans, shelled
- ⅓ medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 small shallot, thinly sliced
- ½ cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
- 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
- ½ lime, juiced
- 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp raw honey
- ½ tsp 4 Mushroom Blend (Eversio Wellness)
- Sea salt & black pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS
Prepare the beans: Bring a pot of water to boil. Add shelled lima beans and simmer for 5–6 minutes. Drain, rinse under cold water, and gently slip off the outer skins. Set aside the tender inner beans.
Make the dressing: In a serving bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, Dijon mustard, raw honey, garlic, and the 4 Mushroom Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with sea salt and black pepper.
Assemble the salad: Add lima beans, cucumber, shallot, and basil to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Serve & enjoy: This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. Pair it with grilled fish, roasted chicken, or enjoy it on its own as a stress-soothing, nutrient-packed meal.
This Basil, Lima Bean & Cucumber Salad is proof that food can be both medicine and joy. Every bite supports hydration, hormone balance, and a calm nervous system—making it the perfect recipe for busy, modern lives.
✨ Try it as a light lunch, a side dish, or part of your weekly meal prep. Your body (and mind) will thank you.
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