Grab-bag Salads

Salad doesn’t have to be boring and tasteless. Use a variety of toppings and textures to get the most out of your salads!

Directions:

1. Add Greens. There’s so many options of greens for salads, so find your favorite! Pro-tip: I personally like to avoid iceberg lettuce for salads because it’s pretty tasteless and provides very little nutritional value. Not to say you shouldn’t in a pinch (I did this time). Try romaine, arugula, spinach, kale, etc. 
   
2. Add fresh toppings. I love adding fruit and chopped up veggies to my salad. It adds texture, an assortment of flavors, a variety of nutritional benefits, and color! Try blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, apples, carrots, peppers, mushrooms, artichokes, beets, avocado, etc.
3.  Add crunch. People find salad boring when it lacks texture and bold flavors. Try toasted nuts, candied nuts, seeds, fried onions, homemade croutons, etc. Remember, nuts add protein!
4. Add protein. Sometimes I like meat on my salad and sometimes I don’t. If you do, ALWAYS serve it warm on your salad. You’d be amazed how much more you will like salad if you have a warm protein on top. This includes eggs and tofu! Try chicken, steak, pork, different styles of eggs, tofu, meat and meatless sausage, etc.
   
5. Add additional toppings. I love sometimes just adding what I have around the fridge or in my cupboard. Try warm quinoa, dried fruit, granola, bold cheeses, olives, etc. 
   
6. Add dressing. First of all, I’m a huge supporter of simple goes a long way. Basic flavored vinegar and oils can really make your ingredients pop – when in doubt go homemade with your dressings. BUT I know that’s not in everyone wheel house. Pro-tip: avoid fat free or low fat dressings, most of the time they just add a ton of extra sugar to make it taste better. Additionally, use a combination of dressings; creamy and vinegar based. Try balsamic, Italian, creamy blue cheese with french, cesar, salsa, sour cream, Greek yogurt, citrus flavored vinegar, etc. Pro-tip, DO NOT overdress your salad, a little goes a long way. Gradually add and taste if you’re not sure. 
   

My favorite homemade dressing recipe:

1. Mix ¼ cup olive oil, ¾ cup vinegar (any kind you want), add pepper. Whisk and taste.
2.  If your vinegar does not have much sugar in it (white or apple cider vinegar), add either sugar or honey until it’s sweetness is to your liking
3. If you want a creamy dressing, add a tablespoon or 2 of mayonnaise.

Enjoy your diverse salads!!