Life’s too short for a depressing salad…
If I know one thing for sure, it’s that salads don’t have to equate to diet food. Arming your fridge and pantry with delicious, satisfying and satiating salad toppings can take your pile of lettuce from a place of “Man, I wish I was eating something else,” to “Oh my gosh, this is freaking delicious!”
PISTACHIOS
Look, I know they’re not cheap, but my gosh do they make a difference in turning a mediocre salad into a really good one! My favorite fate for pistachios is to add them to sauteed shaved brussels sprouts and sweet potato chunks for a deliciously comforting warm salad that I never knew I needed in my life!
HEMP SEED HEARTS
These are a pantry staple in my house! They’re an incredible source of healthy fats and protein and can be added to practically any dish. Try them on oatmeal, in yogurt, in a salad or veggie hash, and most definitely to soak up excess moisture in whatever you’re cooking.
AVOCADO
We all know why this is on the list… The more the merrier, my friend! Avocados are such a great source of healthy fat and fiber and help keep you full throughout the day.
PICKLED RED ONIONS
I often “quick pickle” chopped red onions by adding apple cider vinegar and sea salt to a jar while cooking everything else and then add them as a topper at the end. They keep really well in the fridge for a week and you can use the extra juice to add to other homemade salad dressings!
I don’t know about you, but I’m a huge fan of the sweeter orange and yellow bell peppers, versus the red or green ones. However bell peppers are a great way to add veggies to nearly everything! From curries to fajitas to breakfast hashes, the more the merrier in my opinion.
BELL PEPPERS
SHELLED EDAMAME
They’re such a great source of protein and fiber and will absorb most any flavor dressing you add to your salad! And if soy doesn’t work well for your body, try Lupini Beans as an alternative. They’re very similar in texture and provide similar amounts of protein.
GOAT CHEESE
Goat cheese is a total lifesaver for any of my lactose-intolerant Biscuits. Whether it’s plain or flavored, it takes any salad from “just veggies” to “damn, this is good!”
Although these seem to be harder to find in stores lately, if you do, jump on the opportunity! They’re such a delicious addition to a salad and really elevate your topping game! You know what? Go ahead and buy two bags while you’re at it! ;)
SPICY PUMPKIN SEEDS
Because sometimes you need a little charcuterie in your life and who says your protein source always has to be chicken or steak? It’s time to mix it up a little, but make sure to look for labels that say uncured, nitrate and nitrite free for the healthiest option out there.