With the new year just around the corner, many people are committing themselves to live a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. One of the best ways that you can do this is to reinvent your diet, making salads the cornerstone of your healthy eating habits. Salads are nutritional powerhouses, packed with antioxidant-rich vitamins and minerals. A big salad is also naturally low in sugar and high in fiber. By replacing one meal per day with a salad as the main entree, you will enjoy a host of nutritional benefits. Unfortunately, eating salads can get a bit boring quickly, particularly if you are eating them regularly. The good news is that there are loads of additions that you can include in your next salad, freshening it up while providing an extra layer of flavor and texture. Here are five ways that you can elevate your dull salad into something extraordinary so that you do not get bored.
Adding a dose of sweetness to your salad will diversify its overall flavor profile. Good additions to consider for your salad include raisins, fresh fruit, or coconut shavings. As a bonus, many of these sweet additions will also deliver a satisfying change of texture. For example, dried craisins are both sweet and chewy. Or try some thinly sliced apples for the crunch factor. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice is an easy way to add some sweetness to your savory salad.
Many people focus solely on the flavors of the salad while ignoring the textures. Your taste buds will thank you if you are intentional about incorporating a wide array of textures into your dish. The salad will not stand out if it contains all of the same textures. A handful of nuts or toasted seeds will provide a satisfying crunch. Soft tomatoes will contrast nicely with the crisp lettuce. Creamy sliced avocados add an interesting texture to any salad. You can also mix wet and dry ingredients for optimal variety.
Create a flavor explosion in your salad through the use of fresh herbs and spices. Not only does this addition not contribute any extra calories, but it also has the ability to change the entire flavor profile of the salad. For example, try adding fresh cilantro for a southwest flair. Basil works with Italian flavors, including mozzarella balls, pepperoni, and tomatoes. Adding a smoky element such as a pinch of paprika is also a good idea to switch up the forward flavor. Other fun choices include mint leaves to contrast with fruit flavors or parsley to bring out a garden fresh taste.
If you are going to be eating a salad as the primary entree, you are going to need to ensure that it is a complete meal. This means that you need to be purposeful about including a protein element in the salad. The most popular choice is to add sliced chicken breast to the top of the bed of greens. Other great choices include shrimp, blackened salmon, and beef fajita strips. You can also choose to add vegetarian options such as garbanzo beans, black beans, hard-boiled eggs, tofu, and shredded cheese.
It may sound cliche, but it is true that you eat with your eyes first. A salad will be more likely to appeal to you if it pops with color. In addition, by focusing on creating a colorful plate, you will also automatically include a wider array of nutrients in your dish. Try adding sliced bell peppers in a variety of colors for a burst of color. Berries, beets, olives, avocado, toasted quinoa, and cheese are all additions that will make your salads stand out from the crowd with a rainbow of colors.
