How To Liven Up Your Salad

I personally love salads. I sometimes specifically go out just to get a salad. More often than not I order a salad at a restaurant because it sounds good, not just because I am trying to eat healthy. But when it comes to eating salad at home, I am not always as excited about it. Restaurants seem to know how to give that extra pizazz that makes me want to eat the salad. At home my salads seem to be boring and not as desirable. Over time I have learned how to liven up drab at home salads.

Add grilled veggies

Veggies are no stranger to salads, but when you grill them first, it gives something extra. The juxtaposition between the cool, crispy lettuce and the warm, soft veggies makes a salad a bit more fun to eat. 

Favorite grilled veggies: eggplant, onion, zucchini, squash

Quinoa

Quinoa is incredible on salads. It gives a salad a little bit extra crunch and a protein boost. Add the quinoa while warm for extra excitement.

Goat Cheese

Cheese is probably one of my biggest weaknesses, but I think in moderation it is ok. Any cheese is great on salads, but the creaminess of goat cheese is perfect. It is also one of the healthiest cheeses you can eat.

Fruit/Nuts

I am not a fan of this, but many people love fruit on their salad. Tangerines, strawberries, pears, just to name a few. Pecans, walnuts, and almonds are also great.

Over-easy Egg

Many people put hardboiled eggs on their salad, which is great. I like to put an over easy egg, because when the yolk breaks it mixes with dressing and makes the salad interesting. This idea isn't for everyone, but give it a try!

Beans

Beans are great on salads and also add extra protein. Put some black beans, corn, avocado, and salsa and you have yourself a southwestern salad.

Other favorite add-ins

mushrooms, feta, olives, avocado, corn, salsa verde, greek yogurt dressing, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots

What do you like to put on your at-home salads to liven them up?