Are you tired of spending tons of money at your favorite salad spot every time you’re craving a good salad? Do you feel like the salads you make at home just can’t compare? There is an epidemic I feel like no one is talking about: no one seems to know how to make a salad at home they actually enjoy! It’s crucial that you learn how to make a salad at home that you actually CRAVE!
Honestly, salads at home are such a quick and easy balanced dinner idea that we love in my household. And maybe this is a hot take, but making salads at home is such an enjoyable process too. It’s fun to chop up veggies and other ingredients to make a colorful creation that is also delicious!
Also, the thought of going out and spending an arm and a leg for a good salad every time I crave one makes me want to gag…
But good news! I have a super simple formula for how to make a salad at home. And if you’re reading this, that’s probably what you’ve come here to learn! 😉
So here it is:
- Base:
- The base is made up of your favorite mixed greens. Think butter lettuce, spring mix, power greens, whatever you like!
- You’re also going to add other veggies that you like to your base. Some of my favorites are cucumber, little tomatoes, and red onion. These are important to create a satisfying texture as well.
- Add-ins
- These are so important for flavor and more fiber. So don’t overlook this step! I like to add pickled/marinated veggies. I get a jar of “salad mix” which is artichoke hearts, hearts of palm, and peppers.
- Fresh herbs take the flavor of a salad to a whole new level!
- A flavorful cheese like feta or goat cheese is a must too!
- Lastly, I recommend adding something with a little crunch. Try dry roasted chickpeas, edamame, pumpkin seeds, or nuts. This creates more texture which is key to creating any satisfying meal.
- Dressing:
- I really feel like a quick homemade vinaigrette changed my homemade salad game for the better. I just do 1-2 tablespoons olive oil, 1-2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, or red wine vinegar depending on my mood, salt and pepper, and some Greek or Italian seasoning. Viola! A quick and tasty homemade dressing without the extra fluff!
- Protein:
- Any really well-seasoned protein is going to make your salad tasty and satisfying. This ingredient is also important to make your salad FILLING!
- Feel free to think outside the box and go for proteins such as shrimp or tofu, but chicken, steak, deli meat, or salmon work just fine too!
- Starch:
- Starch is another key ingredient to make your salad filling and satisfying.
- Some good starch options are air-fried potatoes, quinoa, rice, beans, or even protein pasta. You could even do some whole grain toasted pita bread on the side. Yum!
