How to Build a Balanced & Delish Salad
By Molly Mook
I, like many other students at Villanova, love a Sweetgreen salad; but getting your hands on that takes at least $12 and a 10-minute drive. Though I do love treating myself to an “extra” salad every now and then, Sweetgreen is not the only option to have a delicious and healthy salad. Creating a balanced and delicious salad at home is so simple! Salads are easy to assemble, have endless combinations and iterations, and are a great choice to pack for campus or work.
Because my fridge always has varying options in it, I’m constantly in the mood for something different. Salads can be so unique; I don’t have specific “recipes” I stick to, but here’s how I build a salad and some of my favorite options!
BASE: spinach, spring mix, and/or romaine
PROTEIN: usually grilled chicken or a turkey burger patty
CARBS: croutons, rice, tortillas
FATS: feta or any other cheese always… other options include avocado, hard-boiled eggs, nuts
FRUITS/VEG: cucumbers, bell peppers, apples, onions, strawberries, corn, grape tomatoes. The chopped veggie mix from Trader Joe’s is a super simple addition to any salad!
DRESSING: Green Goddess and Creamy Dill dressings from Trader Joe’s are my personal favorites. Any Italian dressing is always a good choice, and the Avocado Green Goddess Yogurt dressing from Bolthouse Farms is another yummy option
EXTRAS (if desired): salt, pepper, everything but the bagel seasoning, hot sauce
So, with something from each of these categories, you’ll have a salad that is fun, balanced, filling, and so yummy!
I also like to ingredient prep about once a week by cutting up veggies and cooking meat and rice, so when it’s time to make my salad, the process is much quicker and easier! Good luck!
