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    Home » Cooking Basics

    11/28/2022

    33 Best Salad Toppings (Popular Salad Ingredients)

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    Looking for fun, healthy, and delicious salad toppings? Below you will find 33 of the best salad ingredients that you can mix and match over and over again!

    Looking for fun, healthy, and delicious salad toppings? Below you will find 33 of the best salad ingredients that you can mix and match over and over again!

    It’s time to boost your salad game for good. In this list, you’ll find something for everyone. Some are crunchy, some are creamy, and some are keto-friendly. You can even build a salad bar for a party.

    Table of Contents Show
    What Can I Put in a Salad?
    Salad Topping Mix
    Popular Crunchy Salad Toppings
    Shredded Lettuce
    Cucumber
    Celery
    Carrots
    Nuts
    Seeds
    Tortilla Chips
    Crouton
    Other Green Vegetables
    Healthy Salad Topping Ideas
    Sliced Tomatoes
    Bell Pepper
    Spinach
    Cooked Whole Grains
    Roasted Vegetables
    Fresh Herbs
    Avocado
    Vegetarian Salad Toppings
    Tofu
    Shredded Cheese
    Fresh Berries and Fruits
    Dried Fruits
    Pita Chips
    Corn
    Salsa
    Olives
    Salad Dressing
    Protein Salad Toppings
    Boiled Eggs
    Sliced Cooked Steak
    Shredded Chicken
    Other Leftover Meat like Pork or Turkey
    Smoked Salmon
    Cooked Shrimp
    Other Seafood
    Beans
    Best Salad Toppings for Chicken Salad

    What Can I Put in a Salad?

    You can put just about anything into your salad! Try to expand your horizons and add something you haven’t before. Fruit is usually something people don’t add to their salad, but it works really well.

    Some typical meat toppings are chicken, steak, and pork. Step it up a notch with avocado, corn or salsa. If you’re looking for something more filling, add in some boiled eggs, shrimp or smoked salmon.

    Salad Topping Mix

    One of the easiest ways to ensure you get a well-balanced meal that covers all the food groups is to make your own salad mix. By combining seeds, nuts and dried fruits you can satisfy your cravings for something crunchy while getting a good dose of nutrients and vitamins. Some popular seeds and nuts optional include pumpkin, chia, flax seeds, cashews, almonds, and walnuts. 

    Popular Crunchy Salad Toppings

    Shredded Lettuce

    Shredded Lettuce

    Lettuce is a staple salad green! The popular choices are typically iceberg and romaine but you can also use crisphead, butterhead or loose-leaf. 

    Cucumber

    Cucumber

    Crisp, light and refreshing, cucumbers are a must for salad. They add a bit of a crunch to your bite and are healthy too! 

    Celery

    Celery

    It’s crunchy, low calorie and full of healthy benefits. Celery is high in fiber, making it perfect for your digestive system. 

    Carrots

    Carrots

    Carrots are full of fiber and can help lower your blood sugar levels and risk of diabetes. They add the perfect crunch and color to your salad!

    Nuts

    Nuts

    From considering flavor, texture, price and benefits, the best nuts to add to your salads include pecans, walnuts, almonds, pine nuts, peanuts, pistachios, and cashews.

    Seeds

    Seeds

    They are a great source of iron, protein and fiber, depending on which ones you choose. Pumpkin, sesame, chia, flax and hemp seeds all make great options. If you can’t decide, use them all!

    Tortilla Chips

    Tortilla Chips

    From taco salads to chopped salads, tortilla chips make a great addition. The saltiness balances out any tangy dressing you use, while providing you with that extra crunch. 

    Crouton

    Croutons are cubed and seasoned bread that are usually rebaked. They add a great crunchy texture and delicious flavor to your salad, especially Caesar salad.

    Other Green Vegetables

    Other Green Vegetables

    Besides lettuce, there are other leafy green vegetables you can add to step up the nutrition. Try adding some spinach, kale, romaine, watercress, and arugula. Don’t forget the salad dressing! 

    Healthy Salad Topping Ideas

    Sliced Tomatoes

    Sliced Tomatoes

    For a fresh summer taste, add some tomatoes. They’re healthy and contain antioxidants that can help reduce your risk of heart disease and cancer. Plus, they’re a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and vitamin K.

    Bell Pepper

    Bell Pepper

    Add color, flavor and nutrition to your salad with bell peppers. The red ones have the highest nutritional value!  

    Spinach

    Spinach

    Spinach is that leafy green vegetable you love to hate. The good part is that it’s high in vitamins and minerals which can help boost your immune system.

    Cooked Whole Grains

    Cooked Whole Grains

    From barley, brown rice and bulgur, you have a few whole grains that are perfect for your salad. Adding just a handful of cooked whole grains can help you feel fuller while lowering your risk of disease.

    Roasted Vegetables

    Roasted Vegetables

    These are the perfect complement to experience different flavors and textures with each bite. Plus, roasting your vegetables makes them easier to digest.  

    Fresh Herbs

    Fresh Herbs

    Adding in your favorite herbs gives your salad added flavour – from spicy to sweet or even tangy. The best options are basil, cilantro, chives, dill, mint or parsley. 

    Avocado

    Avocado

    Avocados are so versatile. They’re loaded with vitamins and nutrients which can help improve heart health and support healthy aging.

    Vegetarian Salad Toppings

    Tofu

    Tofu

    Tofu is an excellent source of protein loaded with folate and vitamin K. This topping adds a chewy texture to your salad as well as several micronutrients. 

    Shredded Cheese

    Shredded Cheese

    Cheddar, gouda, parmesan and manchego all make great salad toppings. Just one ounce of shredded cheese has about ten grams of protein…So grab your shredder and get to grating.  

    Fresh Berries and Fruits

    Fresh Berries and Fruits

    Adding fresh fruit to your salads is such an underated but delicious topping. Not only are they healthy but help reduce heart disease. Next time, try adding some berries, apples, or oranges.

    Dried Fruits

    Dried Fruits

    The best choices for dried fruit are cranberries, apricots, mango or raisins. It’s a simple way to add sweetness and nutrients in every bite. 

    Pita Chips

    Pita Chips

    Pita chips add a crunchy texture to your salad. For the best taste, be sure to buy oven baked pita chips.

    Corn

    Corn

    Using corn as a salad topping is a great way to add in a new flavor. It’s rich in fiber, vitamin C and folate. It adds a pop of color too! 

    Salsa

    Salsa

    Using salsa is the perfect way to create a delicious Tex-Mex salad. For green salads, swap your dressing with salsa. It not only contains fiber but also unsaturated fat which can aid in weight loss.  

    Olives

    Olives

    Olives add a distinct flavor that not everyone loves. However, they’re high in nutrients and loaded with healthy fats which can help reduce heart disease and lower cholesterol. 

    Salad Dressing

    Salad Dressing

    What salad is complete without dressing? Eating your salad with full-fat dressings can help you absorb more nutrients from the vegetables. Besides, nobody wants to eat a dry salad. If you’re really feeling creative, try making your own!  

    Protein Salad Toppings

    Boiled Eggs

    Boiled Eggs

    Eggs are high in protein and easily fill you up quicker. They’re a nutritious addition to any salad. Just one large egg contains 6 grams of protein!  

    Sliced Cooked Steak

    Sliced Cooked Steak

    Have leftover steak? Simply slice it up and toss it on your salad. You’ll have a more complete meal packed with a ton of protein!  

    Shredded Chicken

    Shredded Chicken
    Sous Vide Shredded Chicken

    Did you know that just ⅓ cup of shredded chicken gives you 8 grams of protein? Adding it in a salad will easily give you a well-balanced meal – all that’s missing is the ranch dressing!

    Other Leftover Meat like Pork or Turkey

    Pork Tenderloin

    Leftover meats can easily be repurposed as salad toppings. Pork and turkey are loaded with vitamins and minerals. They’re also high in protein which helps you feel fuller faster and longer. 

    Smoked Salmon

    Smoked Salmon

    With a slightly salty and smoky taste, salmon makes a great addition to any salad. Not only is it packed full of vitamins and omega fatty acids, but protein too. Be careful though, smoked salmon does contain high levels of sodium.

    Cooked Shrimp

    Cooked Shrimp

    Shrimp can be an acquired taste. The good thing is that it’s low in calories and high in protein, making this sea creature a great food to include in your diet. 

    Other Seafood

    Other Seafood

    Adding some type of seafood in your salad can quickly boost its flavor and nutritional value. From salmon to cod, halibut, and lobster, seafood is a healthy source of protein, vitamins and minerals. 

    Beans

    Beans

    Beans are a great source of plant protein. Just 1 cup of black beans or kidney beans has over 15 grams of protein. Use dried or cooked beans depending on your preference. 

    More Recipes You’ll Like

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    • BLT Pasta Salad
    Looking for fun, healthy, and delicious salad toppings? Below you will find 33 of the best salad ingredients that you can mix and match over and over again!

    Best Salad Toppings for Chicken Salad

    Chicken salad with grapes is a fresh and hearty dish that we all love. There are so many healthy and delicious toppings in this salad.
    Print Pin Rate
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Author: Izzy

    Ingredients 

    • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed
    • ½ cup grapes quartered or halved
    • ½ cup celery diced
    • ¼ cup walnuts chopped
    • ¼ cup onion diced
    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions 

    • Mix together mayo and parsley in a large mixing bowl.
    • Add chicken, grapes, celery, walnuts, and onion. Mix until combined.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!
    Author: Izzy
    Course: Salad
    Keyword: Salad Toppings
    Tried this recipe?Follow or tag us on Pinterest @izzycooking

    Filed Under: Cooking Basics, Healthy Tagged With: salad toppings

    About Izzy

    I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

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