How to Make a Great Salad

Salads are an easy, nutritious way to enjoy a variety of flavors, textures, and nutrients in one bowl. Whether you're making a quick side dish or a hearty main course, the key to a great salad is balance and these strategies will help you nail it.

A salad with grilled peaches, burrata, prosciutto and balsamic dressing on a white platter.

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4 Tips for Making the Perfect Salad
Add Protein to Make it a Meal
Storing Salads
Try One of These Phenomenal Salads
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When I first started my health journey I struggled to get enough variety. Honestly, I didn’t think I really liked vegetables, and I was a vegetarian at that time (a little paradoxical). It wasn’t until I learned how to prepare veggies that I actually stopped trying to take them like a pill, and started to savor them.

Making a killer salad is an under appreciated life skill!

Need some salad inspiration? This Pomegranate and Feta Salad is my most popular salad! Or, try this delicious Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad or this tasty Strawberry Goat Cheese Salad with Walnuts and Avocado.

4 Tips for Making the Perfect Salad

1. Choose Your Base

Sturdier greens (like romaine) should be used for thicker dressings.
Arugula and radicchio are bitter and should be paired with tart or tangy ingredients.
Kale can be massaged with oil to make it more tender.
Plating rather than tossing a salad made with delicate greens (like spinach or spring mix) can prevent heavier ingredients from sinking to the bottom.
Other sturdier veggies (like cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, etc.), grains, noodles, or legumes can work as a base too.

2. Add Some Crunch

Things like nuts, seeds, or vegetables like radish, carrot, celery, or fennel can add a nice textural element and keep salads interesting.

3. Balance Flavors

Try for fresh & bright using ingredients like cucumber, avocado, mint, basil, orange, or lemon.
Try sweet & savory using ingredients like apples, pear, honey, goat cheese, cheddar, or maple walnut.
Try classic & comforting combos like hardboiled eggs, bacon, and avocado.
Try bold & earthy with ingredients like beats, toasted almonds, brussel sprouts, peanut dressing, or tahini.

4. Make a Homemade Dressing:

Each of my 20+ salad recipes have a homemade dressing. Trust me, it is easier than you think!
Pair a fat (olive oil, mayo), acid (vinegar, lemon juice), sweetener - optional (honey, maple syrup), and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic). Taste and adjust.

Salad with arugula, walnuts, feta, and pomegranate arils on a white platter.

Add Protein to Make it a Meal

Protein turns a salad from a simple side into a satisfying meal. Choose one complete protein source or combine multiple protein sources to get a satiating meal. Here are some ideas:

Animal Protein Sources: Grilled chicken, smoked salmon, grilled shrimp, hard-boiled eggs, sliced steak, chopped ham
Plant-Based Sources: Chickpeas, black beans, tofu, edamame, quinoa
Dairy: Feta, shredded cheddar, cottage cheese

Storing Salads

Want to prep a salad ahead of time without producing soggy greens? Here are some strategies for success:

1. Keep Wet and Dry Ingredients Separate

Store greens, crunchy veggies, and toppings in one container.
Keep dressings, proteins, and high-moisture ingredients in separate compartments or containers.

2. Store Dressing Separately

Always pack dressing in a separate container and drizzle it on just before eating. This prevents your greens from becoming soggy.

3. Keep Crunchy Toppings Crisp

Croutons, nuts, seeds, and crispy chickpeas should be stored separately.
Add them just before serving to maintain their crunch.

4. Use Airtight Containers

Glass containers help maintain freshness better than plastic.
If using meal prep containers, make sure they have tight-fitting lids.

PRO TIP: When storing delicate greens or lettuce, place a folded paper towel on top of the container or clamshell, close the container, and flip upside down. Store in the fridge like this to extended the life of your greens!

Looking for a salad that can be stored completely assembled? Try this Vietnamese Cucumber Salad, this Carrot and Cucumber Salad, Greek Chickpea Salad, or this Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad (Viral Tik Tok Recipe). These recipes are made with sturdier veggies and can be stored dressed and ready to go!