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How To Make Healthy Salad

How To Make Healthy Salad

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Salad has always been associated with healthy eating but what really makes a salad healthy?

 

Most of us know what goes into a salad. However, what is the best combination that promises a balanced and healthy bowl of salad? Here’re our tips on what to put in your next salad that’s not just delicious but also healthy.

 

Greens

 

Leafy greens such as lettuce, rocket, and watercress are popular greens used in salads. Besides fibre, greens such as lettuce and spinach are excellent sources of vitamin K and vitamin A.

Besides that, broccoli and kale are rich in vitamin C and provide different textures in a salad. Snow peas are a great addition as well because they’re sweet, contain fibre and lend some crunch to a salad.

 

Include The Rainbow

 

Red bell peppers are sweet and packed with vitamin C and antioxidants such as lycopene which could help protect against UV damage. If you’re a little turned off by its raw taste, simply grill it lightly with a little olive oil and salt to bring out its sweetness and soften it a little.

 

Oranges add a sweet and sour kick to any salad and plenty of vitamin C and fibre. Carrots also add some sweetness and a splash of colour along with beta carotene which is beneficial for our eyesight.

 

Avocadoes add richness to a salad which is great especially if you’re lactose intolerant. It is also an excellent source of vitamin E that’s important in healthy immunity, skin and eyes.

 

Blueberries added to a salad lends a splash of colour and a little tartness.

 

Who Says A Salad Should Be Just Vegetables And Fruits?

 

Adding protein in the form of meat or dairy can leave you feeling fuller for longer.

 

Cheese such as feta is already salty so there’s no need to add extra salt to your salads. Feta cheese contains vitamin B2 which is important in preventing migraines.

 

Chicken or turkey meat, in a salad adds a big punch of protein and fills you up without needing to worry about the fat content.

 

Things To Avoid In Your Salad

 

1. Too Many Croutons. Did you know that 30grams of croutons contain 122 calories? Yes, they provide a lovely crunch to a salad but it also adds empty calories into your meal. Replace them with a handful of nuts and that takes care of the crunch factor and also your healthy fats intake.

 

2. Pre-made Salad Dressing because there’s no telling how much fat and sugar has gone into making these.

 

BONUS TIP : Recipe For A Healthy Salad Dressing

 

Here are some suggestions of healthy salad dressings that you can make in the comfort of your own home.

Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
1 cup fresh raspberries
1 tbsp white sugar
2/3 cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup olive oil
1 tbsp honey
½ tsp salt

 

Mix the raspberries and sugar together then leave aside for 10 minutes till it gets juicy. Mash the berries with the fork and mix in the rest of the ingredients, pour into a jar and shake till it’s mixed well. This vinaigrette will go very well with salad greens, blueberries, walnuts and crumbled feta cheese.

 

References: All Recipes; United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

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Madeline Kwan

Madeline graduated with honours in Bachelor of Science Dietetics with Nutrition and is now pursuing the Master Of Science (Health Sciences) course. Currently working as clinical dietitian in a private health institution in Singapore, Madeline shares her passion for nutrition & diet education, repoductive health and general fitness tips by in her articles for YesMyWellness.com. She is also involved in a number of community projects, which includes travelling to rural areas in South East Asia conducting talks, workshops, health checks.

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