What Goes Well With Salad? Exploring Toppings, Dressings, Protein-Packed Additions & More

Introduction

Salads are a great way to add more vegetables and other healthy ingredients into your diet. But salads can also become boring if you don’t know what goes well with them. This article will explore the many different types of toppings, dressings, proteins, crunchy mix-ins, dairy, herbs, and spices that can be added to salads to make them more interesting and nutritious.

Toppings: Nuts, Seeds, and Dried Fruit

Nuts, seeds, and dried fruit are excellent toppings for salads. They provide a variety of textures and flavors, as well as plenty of health benefits. Nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, and cashews, are packed with healthy fats and protein, while seeds, like pumpkin and sunflower, are full of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Dried fruit, like cranberries and cherries, offer a touch of sweetness and a boost of antioxidants.

Dressings: Balsamic Vinaigrette, Creamy Avocado, and Lemon-Garlic

The right dressing can make or break a salad. Balsamic vinaigrette is a classic choice, but there are so many other options. Creamy avocado dressing is perfect for adding richness to a salad, while lemon-garlic dressing adds a bright, tangy flavor. You can also experiment with combining different ingredients to create your own unique dressing.

Protein-Packed Additions: Grilled Chicken, Tofu, and Beans

Adding protein to a salad is an easy way to make it more filling and satisfying. Grilled chicken, tofu, and beans are all great sources of protein that can be added to a salad. Different cooking techniques can be used to add even more flavor, such as roasting, grilling, or sautéing. You can also use canned or cooked beans for a quick and easy protein boost.

Crunchy Mix-Ins: Croutons, Bacon Bits, and Roasted Veggies

Sometimes a salad needs a little something extra to give it some crunch. Croutons, bacon bits, and roasted veggies are all great options for adding texture and flavor. Croutons come in a variety of flavors and can be made from any type of bread. Bacon bits are a salty and smoky addition, while roasted veggies like carrots and bell peppers provide a nice contrast to the greens.

Dairy: Feta Cheese, Goat Cheese, and Parmesan

Cheese is a great way to add creaminess and flavor to a salad. Feta cheese has a strong, salty flavor that pairs well with acidic dressings. Goat cheese is milder and creamy, while Parmesan is sharp and nutty. Adding a small amount of any of these cheeses can really enhance the flavor of a salad.

Herbs and Spices: Parsley, Basil, and Oregano

Herbs and spices are another way to add flavor to a salad. Parsley is a classic herb that pairs well with most salads, while basil adds a hint of sweetness. Oregano is a bit more pungent, but it is a great way to add depth to a salad. Experiment with different combinations of herbs and spices to find the perfect flavor for your salad.

Conclusion

There are so many things that go well with salad. Toppings, dressings, proteins, crunchy mix-ins, dairy, herbs, and spices can all be added to salads to enhance their flavor and nutrition. By experimenting with different combinations, you can create delicious and nutritious salads that are sure to please.

Using the suggestions outlined in this article, you should now have a better understanding of how to take your salads to the next level. Try out different combinations of toppings, dressings, proteins, crunchy mix-ins, dairy, herbs, and spices to create unique and flavorful salads that are sure to satisfy.