Spring is the season of salads. With the sun out and the weather warming up, there’s nothing that helps you kick your unhealthy winter eating habits like a bright, colorful plate of greens. But how often do you stare at a boring salad bar or walk aimlessly down the aisles of the grocery store, unsure of what kind of salad to make? Here are a few ideas to take your salad to the next level.
Note: add chicken, shrimp, tofu or another protein to any of these for an added boost.
1. Arugula, Walnuts, Pear and Goat Cheese
Photo by Alex Tom
This well-rounded salad is timeless, and for good reason — topped with fruit, nuts and cheese, it’s the perfect combination of sweet, salty and creamy. It also provides a balanced dose of healthy fat and protein.
2. Spinach, Shredded Parmesan, Dried Cranberries and Avocado
Photo by Julia Maguire
Creamy avocado and sweet cranberry add a burst of flavor to the leafy spinach, while Parmesan cheese creates a nice finish to this iron-salad, full of antioxidants.
3. Kale, Almonds, Raisins, Beets and Mandarin Oranges
Photo by Alex Tom
Although kale is unbelievably good for you, it can taste a little bland uncooked. The addition of raisins, beets and Mandarin orange wedges boosts the taste while keeping all the nutrition. Slivered almonds help to add a little crunch and some protein too.
4. Spinach, Blueberries, Kiwi, Raspberries and Feta
Photo by Justin Shannin
Try this colorful, healthy salad with raspberry vinaigrette to really get your fruit fix.
5. Arugula, Sweet Potato, Beets, Quinoa and Cranberries
Photo by Julia Maguire
This may sound daunting to make, but you can get all of the ingredients pre-made at Whole Foods. Thanks to the fiber-rich quinoa, it’s also a healthy way to fill up for the day.
6. Mixed Greens, Chickpeas, Tomato and Cucumber
Photo by Hannah Lin
For those who like to keep their salads simple, nothing is more refreshing than crisp cucumber, sweet heirloom tomatoes and some yummy chickpeas.