Spring is here and summer is coming around the corner. Whether you are working remotely or are back in the office again, eating healthier has never been more important. Though I was once a sandwich girl, I have learned to appreciate a salad or salad bowl instead. Here are eleven ways to convert yourself to a salad eater.
1.) Get good chopping knives
Food prep is truly the key. So find knives that are easy to clean and store. Pair your chopping knives with a antibacterial chopping board that will help keep your knives sharp.
2.) Get yourself to your local farmers’ market
Springtime means the farmer’s markets are open for business. There you will find seasonal vegetables and salads and other vegetables and fresh herbs.
3.) Pick Your Protein
Are you vegan? Tofu is easy to fry, season and cube, making it the perfect protein for your salad. Other lean proteins such as salmon, tuna, shrimp, turkey, and chicken are also salad friendly and easy to season to taste.
4.) Make it Colorful
Salads can be beautiful and incorporate every color in the rainbow. Purple cabbage, red onions, bright orange carrots, red and gold tomatoes, and hydrating celery and cucumber will help make your salad pop with color and flavor.
5.) Add some Crunch
Nutrient-dense dried fruit such as cranberries, pumpkin seeds, and walnuts can add some crunch to your salads in lieu of croutons which are basically bread. If you are looking for additional good fats, macadamia nuts can add some extra punch to your salad. Air fried chickpeas can also be a great crunchy addition that also adds to your protein quota.
6.) Micro Greens
One major addition to your salad is the microgreen. Dandelion root, sprouts, and arugula are all vitamin-packed and can add some tang to your salad topping.
7.) Hydrate Your Salad
Lemon, lime, and olive oil can hydrate your salad and will also add to the flavor of the dressing you choose.
8.) Add Herbs
Adding mint, rosemary, basil, oregano, or tarragon will give your wilted lettuce new life. Pair your herb-infused salad with a vinaigrette. On its own, a vinaigrette may not have enough bite, but it is healthier for you than a thick dressing.
9.) Say Yes To Some Grains
Your salad can become a salad bowl by adding brown rice, couscous, or quinoa.
10.) Mix and Match Your Lettuce
Lettuce can be mixed and matched. Don’t be afraid to make your salad extra busy with frisée, rocket, kale, romaine spinach, and more.
11.) Use Social Media To Share And Find Recipes
Now that you have created a beautiful salad, stay motivated to eat them daily. Take a colorful selfie of your salad. And seek out recipes on Instagram.