Salads are often seen as an afterthought, but we’re about to change that by sharing 4 easy ways to spruce up your summer salads. Let’s be honest, most salads are not very exciting. Yes, we all know salads are good for you, and eating veggies are a must. More often than not, there’s a serious lack of effort into turning the healthy leafy dishes into tasty and inspiring creations. Thankfully, there are many ways to make salads more delicious and delightful!

Salads are a blank canvas for creativity, and there are dozens of ways to turn them into dishes worthy of taking center stage. Here are four fun and easy ways to spruce up your summer salads. Try them out and don’t forget to share your own ideas in the comments below.

1. Fresh Fruit

Fruits are not only packed with vitamins, good sugars, and minerals but they add color and a lovely tanginess to your salads. Think of the classic orange supremes, diced apples, peaches, and strawberries. You can also look outside the box for options like pomegranate seeds, prickly pears, and kiwi. A personal favorite is sliced grapes! Just the right amount of sweet in each bite.

And you don’t have to pick one, add as many fruits to your salads for added health benefits and color.

Try this: Shredded romaine lettuce, baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, and tangerine supremes with a sweet and tangy yuzu-based dressing.

2. Cheese

Cheese makes everything better, from nachos to burgers. Salads can be equally enhanced by our favorite dairy treat.

Think fresh, briny cheese like feta, creamy options like mascarpone or cottage, or crumbly fresh cheese like cotija. Hard cheeses like aged manchego and Parmesan can also add a splendid layer of flavor to salads if you grate them on top. We love to add mozzarella balls that are preseasoned & packaged in olive oil. Just the right bite-sized pieces with no extra work!

Try this: Tomato slices, basil, mozzarella, green olives, dried oregano, and a balsamic-olive oil vinaigrette.

3. Crunchy stuff

For salads, the texture is as important as the flavor. Seek ingredients that add contrasting textures to the fruits and veggies. Nuts and seeds are incredibly healthy as excellent sources for plant-based proteins, good oils, and fiber. Almonds and cashews are my family favorites. Other crunchy items to add to your salad include tortilla chips, croutons, granola, or fried chow mein noodles that will make every bite feel and taste unique.

Try this: Cauliflower florets, julienne yellow bell peppers, diced apples, and sliced roasted almonds with a yogurt-based dressing.

4. Protein

You know you have mastered salads when you can make a whole meal out of them. This typically means adding sources of protein. Grilled chicken topping any salad makes it a hearty lunch, but tuna, prawns, or diced ham will do the trick. We love tender juicy steak slices on our salads!

For vegetarian options, add tofu, beans, or chickpeas for hearty salads that will keep you satisfied all day. 

Try this: Diced avocado, sliced tomato, julienne red onion, coriander leaves and peeled prawns drizzled with lime juice. 

The only think that can top these delicious & hearty salads is a beautiful presentation! Here are a few pretty salad bowls and spoons to make eating salads even more enjoyable!

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Join the challenge, and spruce up your summer salads! Together let’s eat more salad this summer. Stay healthy and feel better than ever — all with tasty, colorful salads that are all but boring.

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