Do you find salads dull or eat them just because they’re healthy? Let me share some tips to make your salads exciting, so you’ll actually look forward to eating them!
Eating more salads can help support your gut health, fend off diseases, and boost your energy levels. Here are six tips to transform your salad into a delicious meal:
1. **Add Variety with Texture:**
To make your salads more fun and enjoyable, incorporate different textures. Try adding some crunch with toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds seasoned with sea salt and cumin, or roast some chickpeas for a quick fix. For a softer, chewy texture, toss in leftover roasted cauliflower or sweet potatoes, or chop up some dates or dried apricots.
2. **Switch Up the Greens:**
Using the same greens all the time, like spinach, can get repetitive. Plus, you’ll get more nutrients by diversifying your leafy greens. Experiment with different types to keep your salads fresh and nutritious.
3. **Enhance with Salt:**
Don’t skip the salt—it’s key for flavor. Although traditional advice warned against salt, it’s actually the type of salt that matters. Instead of processed table salt, opt for pink Himalayan or Celtic sea salt, which contain beneficial trace minerals.
4. **Introduce Sweetness:**
Incorporating a sweet element can make your salad more satisfying. You don’t need to use table sugar—think chopped dates, dried apricots, slices of peach, pear, apple, raisins, cranberries, or pomegranate seeds.
5. **Revamp Dressings:**
Creamy salad dressings can be dairy-free and just as delicious. Keep ingredients like hummus, avocado, tahini, or cashews on hand for easy, healthy, creamy dressings. These options are lighter and easier on the gut compared to traditional heavy creams or mayonnaise.
6. **Include Protein:**
A common mistake when trying to eat healthily is resorting to low-calorie salads and nothing else. To make your salad a complete and satisfying meal, add high-quality protein. Go beyond hard-boiled eggs with options like grilled tempeh, steak, roast chicken, canned salmon or tuna, and even sardines. Don’t forget nuts, seeds, hemp hearts, edamame, or grilled halloumi for extra nutrition.
I hope these ideas inspire you to make your salads exciting and enjoyable!
