Mix it Up for National Salad Week!

Raise your forks from July 24th to July 30th for National Salad Week! Some people may consider a salad a side dish, however, salads make a winning main course and the perfect vehicle for protein, fruits, and tons of veggies.

There are so many ways that you can make a great salad. You can keep things very simple and just stick to the greens, or you can kick it up a notch by adding more vegetables, fruit, or even protein. What is great about making a salad at home is that you can customize it to your liking.

While creating your own salad recipe can be fun, sometimes it’s nice to have some inspiration. There are so many great recipes out there that have been tried and true!

Building Your Own Salad

From cold to hot, to mixed and chopped, the salad possibilities are endless! You may be wondering what makes the ultimate salad? That is totally up to you, however, here are some basic ingredients to begin with…

Greens: Every salad needs a base. Greens shine during the summer months. When making your salad, instead of going for iceberg lettuce, try out arugula for a peppery taste, spinach, or mixed greens.

Protein: Adding protein to your salad will keep you feeling full and make your salad more of a complete meal. Go for lean proteins such as chicken, turkey, or chopped tuna. Some plant-based protein options can include chickpeas, lentils, or tofu.

Vegetables: Don’t forget about the veggies! Not only do veggies add a bit of crunch to your salad, but they can also provide the necessary vitamins and minerals. Try out chopped bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes.

Toppings: Salad topping ideas can be endless. Some summer options can include fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, or peaches. Other great healthy toppings can include whole grain croutons, nuts, or low-fat mozzarella cheese.

Dressing: Having a great dressing can really make your salad pop. Simple dressings can be made right at home such as vinaigrettes using olive oil, herbs, and spices.

3 Summer Salad Ideas

The summer is a great time of year because so many produce are in season. These salad ideas below can be eaten as a side dish or as a meal!

Strawberry Crunch Salad: Add your favorite green mix to a bowl for a base, then add in chopped strawberries and sliced almonds, and top with a basic vinaigrette.

July Pasta Salad: For the base, add whole grain cooked pasta, then add arugula, roasted red peppers, sprinkle in some pepper, and then top with a drizzle of olive oil.

Avocado Bean Salad: For the base, add in drained black beans, chickpeas, and kidney beans, then add in chopped cilantro, avocado, and tomato, mix in your favorite dressing, and top with chopped tortilla chips and enjoy!

A Few Salad Tips to Remember:

You can prepare salads for the week by making jar salads and homemade dressing. Add your favorite salad ingredients to a jar and store them in the fridge to take to work, school, or on your next summer adventure.