Six ways to pimp your salad

Summer is the perfect time to start swapping your main meals for fresh and nutritious salads but unfortunately salads have got a bad rep – lots of people think they’re boring, fulfilling and unsatisfying! Unsurprisingly, they probably will be if they’re made up of the same standard ingredients day in, day out! Luckily, there are so many easy and fast ways to ‘pimp’ up your salad, making them even more nutritious and satisfying, and helping you hit your 7-a-day fill.

To get you in the mood for summer salads, we’ve come up with six ways to pimp your salad.

1. Go nutty!!

Add some nuts and seeds as they give a great texture and crunch to your salad with massive nutritional benefits. A source of fibre and heart-healthy fats, nuts and seeds are a great way to jazz up your salad. Sprinkle on some sunflower, pumpkin or hemp seeds (also a great source of protein), along with some walnuts, pecans or almonds, all packed with vitamin E to nourish your skin.

2. Wise up on your dressing

A simple salad can be made so much tastier and interesting by simply adding a good dressing. Nowadays, most shop bought dressings are packed full of sugars and contain nearly the same amount of calories as Ben and Jerry’s ice cream. Instead, simply whisk up your own by following some simple recipes such as those from the Food Doctor.

3.Rotate your greens

The main base of your salad is the easiest way to make it more interesting. Swap your usual gem or romaine lettuce leaves with other greens such as kale, spinach, argula, and rocket. Not only do these help vary the taste but spinach and kale are packed full of fibre and iron!

4. Vary the protein

This is one of the best ways to ensure your body gets a broad range of nutrients and essential fatty acids. It is also a great way to mix up the taste and texture so that they never get boring. Choose from lean white meats such as chicken and turkey or ramp up the omega-3 value by adding smoked salmon or tuna steak or go veggie and opt for tofu or feta cheese.

5. Boost the flavour

There is a bundle of herbs and spices that you can add to mix up the taste of your salad. Try adding a few pinches of dill to a smoked salmon salad or thyme to your chicken concoction or if you are a fan of spicy foods then sprinkle on some crushed chillies. Chillies are great for kick-starting your metabolism and help to burn more calories as well.

6. Think colour

Salads don’t have to just be made up of the standard ‘salad’ ingredients and by mixing them up you can increase the nutritional benefits. Think outside the box and roast some peppers, courgette and aubergine and try to include as much colour as possible by tossing beetroots, carrots and grilled asparagus. Increase the density with root veg such as butternut squash and sweet potato.