In this article about adding variety to your summer salads, we will discuss:

1. Fresh Herbs
2. Fruits
3. Vegetables
4. Dressings
5. Nuts & Seeds

 

A big salad full of blood sugar balancing protein, leafy greens and healthy fats is a lunchtime staple of my Lean & Clean Online Weight Loss Program in the summer, but honestly even I can get bored of the same old recipes every day! Adding variety to your summer salads is not only going to help fight food fatigue (it’s a real thing) and help you stay on track with your weight loss goals, but it can also help increase nutrient density.

Here are 5 ideas to help you add variety to your summer salad…

1) Add Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs can bring a burst of freshness to your salad. Try adding basil, mint, cilantro, parsley, or dill. Chop them up and sprinkle them over the salad for added flavor. If you have herbs that are beginning to wilt, you can also try blending them into dressings for even more flavor (like a homemade green goddess dressing). Fresh herbs are also packed with beauty boosting antioxidants and phytonutrients.

 

2) Incorporate Fruits

Add a touch of sweetness to your salad by incorporating seasonal fruits. Try adding sliced strawberries, blueberries, peaches, watermelon, or grapes to your next salad. The natural sweetness of fruits complements the other savory ingredients and adds extra hydration, vitamins and minerals. Plus, fruit will have a better effect on blood sugar than a sugary store bought dressing, which can support weight loss.

 

3) Experiment with Vegetables

Beyond the standard salad vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, experiment with a variety of colorful veggies. Consider adding roasted beets, grilled zucchini, bell peppers, radishes, or snap peas for added crunch and flavor. I love adding any leftover vegetables I have in the fridge to my salads for extra fibre, color and vitamins and minerals.

 

4) Get Dressed Up

A great dressing can take your salad from ‘blah’ to ‘brilliant’ in seconds! I love the dressings from Primal Kitchen Foods as they are made with avocado oil (not pro-inflammatory canola or sunflower oil) or if I make my own, I use a great quality EVOO for its skin boosting benefits.

 

5) Add Nuts or Seeds

Toasted nuts or seeds provide a crunchy texture and an extra nutritional boost from the healthy fats. Consider adding sliced almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds. You can also try sprinkling hemp seeds on top for added protein! Nuts and seeds also add a nice contrast to the sweetness of fruits.

 

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