How to Build Healthy and Satisfying Salads
Salads are one of those meals that have gotten a bad reputation as being a “diet” food – aka food that is low calorie, doesn’t taste great, and isn’t very filling. I am here to stop that way of thinking!
I love salads because they’re generally easy to make, they allow me to get creative with all sorts of fun flavors, and they have the ability to be super nutritious and satisfying when done right.
Below is my formula for making nutritious + satisfying salads!
Step one: Choose a Base
Arugula
Romaine
Kale
Spinach
Spring mix
Shredded brussels
Butter lettuce
Shredded cabbage
Step two: Choose your veggies (2-4)
Cucumber
Tomato
Onion
Bell pepper
Broccoli
Carrots
Artichokes
Beets
Radish
Roasted cauliflower
Step three: Choose a carbohydrate
Roasted sweet potato
Roasted butternut squash
Brown rice
Quinoa
Chickpeas or lentils
Step four: Choose a protein
Boiled eggs
Chicken or turkey
Lean beef
Salmon
Shrimp
Jalapeno cilantro turkey meatballs
Tempeh or tofu
Step five: Add a fat
Sliced avocado
Cashews
Walnuts
Sunflower or pumpkin seeds
Olives
Crumbled goat cheese
Crumbled feta
Step 6: Dress it up!
Optional Flavor Boosters
Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, parsley, mint, dill
Fruit like citrus slices, apple, pears, peaches, berries, pomegranate seeds
What are some of your favorite salad toppings? Let me know in the comments below!