Does eating salads automatically make you a healthy eater? That’s a tricky question which this post addressed. The bottom line, of course, is that salads are a good addition to your diet as long as you avoid The 4 Dangers of Salad Thinking: Make sure your salads are wildly diverse, moderate on the toppings and really fill you up with energy-giving food. Oh, and make sure the rest of your diet is still 100% real and whole.
To get you started on the road to healthier salads, here are a few of my recent combos that include both winter and spring vegetables since here in Colorado we are bouncing back and forth between seasons right now. Of course substitute carbs, proteins and fats to meet your dietary needs and preferences.
Spring Spinach Celebration
- Spinach
- Shaved fennel
- Roasted butternut squash
- Shredded red cabbage
- White beans (or animal protein e.g., salmon, chicken)
- Fresh orange segments or dried cherries
- Moderate amounts of sliced almonds
- Brown rice (optional depending on diet)
Colorful Combo with Basil Pesto
- Romaine lettuce (from my garden!)
- Roasted spaghetti squash
- Shredded carrots
- Sauteed green garlic shoots
- Green pepper
- Canned salmon (or vegetarian option e.g., cheese, beans)
- Moderate amounts of spicy pumpkin seeds and basil pesto (for dressing; store-bought if need be)
Roasted Beet Revelry
- Red lettuce
- Snow peas or green peas (from frozen)
- Roasted beets
- Sautéed onions
- Celery
- Toasted walnuts
- Canned tuna or chicken (or vegetarian option e.g., cheese, beans)
All of these combos are totally diverse, very filling and deliciously satisfying. Proof positive that eating salads = eating healthy, as long you avoid The 4 Dangers of Salad Thinking.