Spicing Up Salads This Summer

Kiss your boring salads goodbye! Below we have got seven ways to make salads more interesting this summer.

1. Protein packed dressing

There are so many ways to add protein to your salad, but one little known trick is to kick up the protein in the dressing. One way is to add chia seeds to a simple vinaigrette. Just be careful, this should only be done when making dressing in small batches. While creamier dressings may be higher in calories, they can also be high in protein. That Caesar dressing is packed with protein thanks to anchovies and egg yolks. Other dressing additions like tahini, beans, and nut butters can bulk up the protein in dressings. When used in moderation, they can make an excellent addition to a healthy and tasty salad!

2. The breakfast salad

I know what you’re thinking, salad for breakfast? What kind of an idea is that? A great idea! A breakfast salad simply combines the elements of a salad, with some of the classic elements of breakfast, like bacon, eggs, or fruit. It’s a great way to start your day with a well-rounded meal.  Check out this recipe for a breakfast salad idea.

3. Get inspired by global cuisine

Ethnic inspired dishes have been steadily trending this year. It only makes sense that this would carry over to salads. Build a burrito bowl with satisfying rice and beans with spicy peppers. Create a salad with Middle Eastern flare featuring roasted chickpeas with crisp, Persian cucumbers. There are so many different directions to take your plate, you can literally go anywhere in the world!

4. Add a grain

Grains can be a great way to bulk up a salad and add much needed texture. In particular, if you are looking to create a vegetarian dish, grains are a good way to add variety without adding meat. From millet, to quinoa, to farro and everything in between, great grains are a great addition to your salads.

5. Taste the rainbow

When most people picture a salad, they just picture green. It’s time to paint a new picture. Your salad should be full of lots of different colorful fruits and veggies. Not only will this add some curb appeal to your salad, it will add a lot of vital nutrients.

6. Try fresh herbs

Everything from rosemary, to thyme, to dill, to mint can all be used to make a salad sing. Adding in these herbs raw (or even fried!) will add a pop of flavor and freshness to a salad.

7. Break out the grill

The grill isn’t just for steaks and burgers! Everything from the veggies to even the fruits you put in your salads can be grilled. It’s a great way to add a different texture and flavor to your meal. Why not consider grilling the star of the show? You can even grill your lettuce. Just make sure you pick a variety that can stand up to the heat, such as a hearty romaine.

We hope these tips help you to create salads that excite your customers this summer! Let us know what kind of salads work for you!