Congratulations! It is indeed a difficult decision to make, cutting back on your fried food, as tasty as it may be! They are lethal! Opting for salads as a new part of your diet is a wise choice! Salads are not only delicious but can be very healthy and nutritious! When put together in the right way! There are many many vegetables to choose from! You can add almost any vegetable or even fruit you want! However there are a few basic ‘do’s and don’ts’ you need to know when it comes to making a delicious salad!

Salad Tip #1- Don’t Overdo The Dressing!

Salad dressing is meant to add a slight flavoring to salad, the whole point of dressing it to make to make the salad dish tasteful - not to drench your salad in it! This ruins the whole concept of having a light and healthy meal. Salad dressing is high in Calories and Sodium! Per serving, salad dressing contains 100 to 200 calories! So try to measure the amount of dressing you put! Two table spoons of salad dressing should be more than enough! However if you are truly a salad dressing lover, then why not opt for a healthier choice?  Try adding some freshly squeezed lemon juice! Or make your own salad dressing! Even a bit of vinegar can do the trick!

Salad Tip #2- Go Green!

There are many healthy and nutritious salad greens you can choose from! So don’t just stick to ice berg lettuce! Be more creative! Each green has a variety of different nutrients, therefore it is important to mix it up every now and then. Keep changing the greens you put in your salad! Try including Water Cress, Spinach, Romaine Lettuce, Swiss Chard, Arugula, Kale and even Broccoli, Cucumber!

Salad Tip #3- Don’t Fill Up With Ice Berg Lettuce!

Yes, we know Ice Berg Lettuce is your favorite salad base! Ice berg lettuce is refreshing, crispy and just an amazing salad ingredient! However, sadly, ice berg lettuce has little to no nutrition value compared to other leafy green vegetables!

Salad Tip #4- Do Add In Some Nuts!

Nuts are the best way to add a little texture in your salad! Not only they are a delicious crunchy delight, but are also extremely healthy and nutritious! They are packed with Protein, Fiber, Antioxidants and other various nutrients! However nuts do contain a lot of calories and fat, so it is important to add small portions instead of filling your salad up with nuts!

Salad Tip #5- Don’t Drench In Oils!

Virgin oils are a common ingredient is salads! Olive Oil in particular, is a favorite amongst many people! It is indeed healthy oil however that doesn’t mean you drown your salad in it!  The idea is to sprinkle your salad with olive oil! That way you maintain a healthy balance! If you find the sprinkling method a little confusing then you can try putting it in your salad with a table spoon! Two is more than enough! Another interesting and convenient method of putting olive oil in your salad is by putting your oil in a spray bottle and spraying it into your bowl of salad! Remember, one spray will be enough!

Salad Tip #6- Mix Things Up With Fruits!

When making salads, the first thing most people think of is - vegetables! However considering fruits in your salads is an interesting choice, in terms of the variety of nutrients and the effect this contrasting salad will have on your taste buds! You can add sliced or chopped Apples for the sweet and juicy crunch or you can even add Avocados! Berries and Cherries contribute to a dramatic flavor contrast when added into salads! Grapes are also an ideal fruit to add in salads. Many even add Figs in their salads!

Salad Tip #7- Don’t Fill Up With Cheese!

Cheese may be an extra tasty ingredient to add in salads; however that is no reason to feel the need of adding the “extra cheese”! Too much cheese in a salad may just ruin the whole idea of a healthy meal! Cheese can be extremely fattening and unhealthy! Especially for your Cholesterol and Blood Sugar Levels! However if Cheese is your weakness, then try substituting it with vegetarian cheese. This is made out of rice and soybeans, and is therefore much healthier!

Salad Tip #8- Let’s Get Meaty!

Adding meats to your salad, like boiled or steamed chicken or tuna can transform your simple salad into a healthy meal!! So why not give it a try? However don’t make the mistake of adding fried meats or processed meats! This is the most common and absurd mistake!! Processed meats have been linked to an increase in cancer whereas deep fried meats will only add extra unhealthy fats and calories!