I know, I know….. You’ve heard this before. But have you actually mastered making delicious salads? Can you make a salad your main dish?

Eating a salad almost everyday is a healthy eating habit that you can adopt and stick with once you learn the art of making a kick ass salad:)

Salads are simply the best way to get many nutrients into one meal and they require little or no cooking and can be whipped up pretty fast. They are high in fiber and help you consume your daily intake of veggies (especially dark leafy greens). PLUS…. they are low in calories but help you feel full for longer especially if you add in those healthy fats and protein (nuts, seeds, avocados, hemp hearts, salmon etc…).

Your salads need to be enjoyed therefore they need to be delicious or else we won’t keep eating them right?! Don’t be afraid to try new things that you wouldn’t typically put into a salad because really anything goes.

A way to ensure you love your salads in to make your own salad dressing. Get creative people. A good place to start is with a simple base then add in from there.

Base for a simple dressing.

• one part healthy oil (Extra virgin olive oil, flax seed oil, avocado oil, etc..)
• one part vinegar (apple cider, rice, red wine, balsamic….)
• and a touch of sweetener (honey, maple syrup, agave…)

Then the possibilities are endless…. Never get in a salad dressing rut again, You can soak nut then blend them to give you a creamier dressing or add avocado and herbs for a fresh tasting thicker dressing. Dijon Mustard, garlic, miso paste, kefir, tahini, onion, lemon ….. I could go on forever but you need to play around with what you like.

Remember salads don’t just have to be lettuce and tomatoes:) Adding grains, yams, corn, beans, herbs, grilled veggies and fruit will add variety and help you customize to how you feel that day. In the winter I like to add roasted chickpeas, quinoa and baked yams to my kale salads and in the summer I add lots of fruits and local fresh veggies.

I will be sharing more of my favourite salad recipes in a upcoming project that I can’t wait to share with you all that has me so excited.

Until then, get your greens on.