How to Make a Salad That’s Not Boring (+ Easy Salad Recipes)
Salads can get a bad rap. They can definitely look and taste boring if you stick to only one or two ingredients (chicken Caesar, anyone?). However, I want to show you how to make a salad that looks beautiful and tastes incredible with my simple hacks & easy salad recipes!
Are you tired of the same old lettuce and tomato combo? Ready to elevate your salad game and make it the star of the meal? Look no further! Here are my favourite creative and delicious ideas to transform your salads from bland to brilliant!
Mix Up Your Greens
Instead of sticking to plain iceberg lettuce, try mixing it up with a variety of greens like spinach, arugula, kale, or even cabbage. Each green brings its own unique flavor and nutritional benefits to the table. Here’s a list of my favourite leafy greens so that you can give some a try!
Add Some Crunch
Give your salad some texture by adding crunchy elements like nuts, seeds, or croutons. Toasted almonds, pumpkin seeds, or homemade croutons can take your salad to the next level.
Incorporate Fresh Fruit
Don’t limit yourself to just veggies! Adding fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or apples can add a pop of sweetness and brightness to your salad. It’s a refreshing twist that’s sure to impress. I love the combo of apples, pecans & goat cheese on leafy greens with a drizzle of balsamic dressing. This strawberry spinach salad is another one of my favourite easy salad recipes.
Get Creative with Veggies
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your vegetable choices. Think outside the box and add roasted sweet potatoes, grilled zucchini, or marinated artichoke hearts for a burst of flavor and color. This roasted beet salad recipe is one of my favourite easy salad recipes incorporating beets as one of the main ingredients!
Go Nuts with Cheese
Cheese lovers rejoice! Adding a sprinkle of feta, goat cheese, or shaved parmesan can add a creamy and indulgent element to your salad. Just be mindful of portion sizes to keep it healthy.
Dress to Impress
The right dressing can make or break a salad. Experiment with homemade dressings like balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard, or tahini lemon dressing. Or try mixing flavors like citrus and olive oil for a refreshing twist. One of my favourite homemade salad dressings is this simple balsamic dressing. It’s easy to make, and it tastes good on almost any salad!
Protein Power
Make your salad more satisfying by adding protein-rich ingredients like grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or tofu. Protein not only keeps you full longer but also adds depth and flavor to your salad.
Fresh Herbs
Don’t underestimate the power of fresh herbs! Adding a handful of chopped basil, cilantro, or mint can elevate the flavors of your salad and give it a gourmet touch.
Play with Textures
Aim for a variety of textures in your salad to keep it interesting. Mix soft ingredients like avocado or roasted veggies with crunchy elements like nuts or seeds for a satisfying bite every time. This quinoa salad recipe is a delicious mix of textures and flavours, and it keeps well in the fridge for several days.
Get Creative with Toppings
Don’t forget about the finishing touches! Sprinkle your salad with toppings like dried cranberries, crumbled bacon, or avocado slices for added flavor and visual appeal. I’m also a fan of sprinkling my salads with hemp hearts for some extra texture and a bit of extra protein.
With these easy tips and tricks, you’ll never have to settle for a boring salad again. Get creative, experiment with flavors, and have fun making salads that are as beautiful as they are delicious! Happy salad-eating!
