Top Tips for Making a Killer Salad

Throwing a salad together seems simple enough…but does simple mean boring?

Salad generally isn’t something we search around to find new recipes for — it’s usually the same old routine, which can indeed become drab. But guess what?  It doesn’t have to be that way!

It’s time to mix things up and make salads exciting, delicious and something you crave…and once you get creative and find your flow, this will undoubtedly be the case! 

I’m sure I don’t have to convince you that salads are good for you.  Salads generously provide you a healthy helping of nutrient-packed greens, nourishing raw veggies and an extra pep in your step afterwards.

With so many perks all in one bowl, it’s time to re-kindle your relationship with salads and get them back on your plate.

Here are 3 tips for making killer salads that you will crave:

1. Use ingredients that are fresh and in season.  Take a trip to the Farmers Market or your grocery store to pick up some local, fresh and in season produce…your taste buds will thank you. Salads aren’t just about lettuce! Why not use shredded brussels sprouts and broccoli slaw for the base or a different type of leaves like arugula, radicchio or watercress. Some of my favorite spring vegetables are swiss chard, which I use in my morning smoothies, broccoli, which is delicious steamed, sautéed and roasted and organic strawberries which I can eat with anything, particularly chocolate! Checkout this list for seasonal veggies by season from the USDA.
2. Mix it up.  Get creative with your ingredients and play with mixing textures.  Combining raw veggies with one cooked veggie can really take it up a notch.  For example, roasting broccoli, mushrooms or onions for your salad will add an interesting and delicious element to your plate. Also, adding foods with different textures makes your salad more interesting. If you use something soft like avocado, balance it with something crunchy like diced carrots or chopped almonds. Don’t forget the fruit!  Adding berries to a summer salad is refreshing and quenches that taste for something sweet.
3. Add fresh spices and herbs. One of my favorite ways to add extra flavor to my salads is with fresh herbs. Mince some fresh rosemary, dill or anise into your salad and change the flavor significantly. A ½ teaspoon of fresh minced herbs can take your salad from ho-hum to wow in no time!

One of my favorite ingredients to use in salad is fresh tomato salsa or pico de gallo. I make mine with diced tomatoes, minced onions, fresh cilantro,lemon juice, cayenne pepper and a splash of olive oil. I often use this as a replacement for salad dressing.

Are your ideas brewing already?  What are you inspired to throw in your next salad?  Hit ‘reply’ and tell me what you’re ‘cookin’ up! 

RECIPE

I know you’ll want something special to put atop that delectable salad in your near future, so I’ve included one of my favorite easy, homemade salad dressing recipes for you below.  It’s full of healthy fats and all natural ingredients. So easy and much healthier than the sugar laden bottled salad dressings made with inflammatory oils and sugar. Enjoy!

Homemade Balsamic Vinaigrette 

Combine in jar with lid, shake and store. It will keep for 7-10 days in the refrigerator.

EVENTS

March 20, 2017: Summit YMCA: Healthy on the Go Lunch and Learn
We will discuss healthy foods and snacks to keep you operating at your best all day. Avoid the caffeine crash and sugar blues and learn to make better choices. Please register at the member services desk 908-273-3330 prior to the event so we can plan accordingly for lunch. A healthy salad will be served so you can try out some of the ideas above.

Tuesdays: No time to prep, cook and clean up, but still want to eat delicious and healthy meals?  has you covered! Order your gourmet, healthy Zing Meals on Monday by 9am for Tuesday afternoon delivery in Chatham, Madison, Mountainside, New Providence and Summit, with pick-up available in East Hanover and New Providence. Use code: 25offLaunch for 25% off your first order!

Have a wonderful week and stay safe if you are in the path of the March 2017 Nor’easter!

Yours in wellness,

Elizabeth Girouard, Certified Holistic Health Coach, Certified Workplace Wellness Master Ambassador