Garden salads are healthy as an appetizer or snack, especially when you would have grabbed some potato chips, french fries, mozzarella sticks and other fried foods, or something else that isn't as healthy. Salads are an excellent way to add more vegetables and nutrition to your diet, but garden salads can get boring. Many are trying to eat healthier, but who wants boredom? Even garden salads with many different ingredients, such as different types of lettuces, shredded cabbage, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, onions, cucumbers, fresh spinach, broccoli, and other standard ingredients can get old and boring.

Discover how to add variety and excitement to your salads, and you will be anxious to eat salads more than just a few times a week. Salads are great to take to work for lunch or as a light summer meal with half a sandwich or a small pasta dish, for example, or as an appetizer or snack rather than the fattier and less healthy options. This is much more than just switching your dressing from Italian or ranch to French or raspberry vinaigrette!

Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs are almost as healthy as any standard vegetable. Herbs contain nutrients such as antioxidants and often possess anti-inflammatory properties, so they truly are beneficial. I have some basil growing in my home on the window sill of my kitchen and some cilantro outside. Many people grow their own herbs. Rosemary, basil. cilantro, thyme, parsley, and other herbs can add some extra flavor to a boring salad. If you don't have your own crop of fresh herbs, they are readily available at most grocery stores, and growing your own is usually fairly easy if that's something that might interest you, and much cheaper than purchasing fresh herbs.

Nuts

Nuts such as pecans, almonds, walnuts, and others are great in salads and add a different crunchy texture to liven up your plate of greens. Most nuts are high in protein, fiber, and antioxidants. While many nuts do contain substantial amounts of fat, it's the "good" types of fats, so you don't have to worry so much about eating a handful of nuts on your salad. Another benefit is that the protein and fiber in nuts will likely keep you feeling fuller longer and leave you more satisfied.

Fruits

Lots of fruits pair well in your salad. Try blueberries and cranberries for a sweet tart flavor punch. Mandarin oranges and pineapples will add sweet juiciness to your plate. Avocado is high in the good fats, just like nuts, and will add a creamy and almost buttery extra punch of flavor to your salad. Even apples and lemons can be used in your salad for different flavors. Experiment to find your family's favorites!

Other Salads

Salads don't stop with just greens. You can make healthy versions of pasta salads, potato salads, macaroni salads, and more by following the suggestions presented here as well. Substitute high fat and oily dressings you may typically use with lower fat versions, vinaigrettes, low-fat or vegan versions of sour creams, yogurts, and other healthier ingredients to make these types of salads better for your health.

Add extra vegetables that you might not have thought about using before, such as different types of peppers and broccoli, for example, in your potato salads. See my article Potato Salad: Healthier Versions with Many Variations for more inspiration and a delicious recipe. Just because you are craving something like potato salad and pasta salad doesn't mean you can't have it! Simply make it a little healthier by doing a few things differently such as watching your portions, using lower-fat ingredients and a few substitutions, and adding a few extra veggies. It's easy to make healthier versions of meals while satisfying your cravings!

In Summary

Salads are more versatile than some may imagine. You can add almost anything to your salad for extra flavor and nutrition. With so many options, it's easy to fall in love with salad all over again. If not making foods healthier for yourself, do it for your family; and if not eating salads for your health, eat salads for the flavor and variety!