I asked this question on Facebook and received great ideas. Enjoying salad is all about picking the right ingredients (and dressing).
Coconut Flakes
Egg
Bacon
Noodles with carrots and peas, add some lime juice, watch the salt
Nuts!
Avocado
Cranberries, especially if it's for breakfast. For lunch, I like to go the Thai way and add a peanut dressing with lime and peanuts
wasabi peas and Craisins. Love the sweet and the spicy and the crunch!
Hearts of palm, pine nuts & artichoke hearts
Anything that negates the healthiness of the salad.
Nuts!
Well, my salad usually happens in the morning after the gym. So apart from the greens of various types, tomato, avocado, etc., there has to be some chicken. After three hours in the gym, I need protein.
I like dried cranberries, almond slices, pickles, black olives, green olives, sun dried tomatoes, shredded cheese, avocado, pecans, pesto, meats (ham, sliced brats, bacon, etc.)
Avocado with tomato, Gorgonzola, pepper and olive oil.
Quinoa.
Cottage cheese
Raisins and Sunflower seeds go in almost every salad I eat. Sometimes, to spice it up, I add a little Monkey Spit!
Peperoncino & beets
Fresh herbs, any kind, and fresh coriander seeds
Simple, Fast and Delicious Dressing Recipes
Apple Cider Vinaigrette
¼ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (approx. 3 limes)
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 Clove Garlic
salt & pepper to taste
Old Spaghetti Factory's Creamy Pesto Dressing
My 'Go To' is Old Spaghetti Factory's Creamy Pesto Dressing - so easy, yet so good!
Ingredients
½ cup mayonnaise (full fat)
½ cup low-fat buttermilk
2 ½ tsp dried basil (fresh is best)
¼ tsp garlic powder
1 pinch salt
¼ cup freshly, finely grated Parmesan cheese**
Instructions
Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk until well blended. Pour into an airtight container and refrigerate 30 minutes.
I started eating salad for breakfast and determined it's the best way to start the day. I just started adding coconut flakes and love it. #saladforbreakfast.
I find that the pre-made salads a Trader Joe's are great 'starters' because they give you enough dressing for twice as much! I can add more lettuce and often get two meals out of them!