A-Salad-a-day may well keep the doctor at bay. While salads can appear drab and non-appetising at times, the truth is they can be every bit as delicious and adventurous as your favourite junk food or unhealthy snack.
Here are some top tips to make salads a staple in your daily diet:
Make a meal of it
A large salad is a healthy balanced choice for an evening meal. Using a large bowl, mix your preferred carbohydrates and protein. Then finish with a slightly larger portion of greens and a simple dressing.
Change your greens
Spinach, rocket, sugar snap peas, and asparagus are all alternatives to the usual salad greens. Spinach is extremely rich in antioxidants and iron, while asparagus and sugar snap peas are low in caloric content. Lightly steam all for the most nutritional value.
Add some fruits
Tangy fruits like apples, pomegranates and cranberries can add interesting flavour to salads. Add a handful of chives, watercress and cherry plum tomatoes for a light and nutritious lunch.
Go For Antipasti
Artichokes, sundried tomatoes and mushrooms soaked in olive oil add much needed colour and taste to any pasta or bean dish. Many come pre-seasoned so there's usually no need to add much else.
Dress it up
The dressing is where your imagination comes in. Making your own dressing can be both simple and hugely effective and is one of the best ways to season your salad according to your taste buds. Vinegar, honey, lemon, mustard and olive oil are all ingredients you can easily mix and match, and use to compliment any salad ingredients.
Get inspired
Food blogs are filled with healthy salad menus, from raw to vegan, and since most are updated on a regular basis, they could help you beat the salad rut.