Salads are the perfect canvas for creating delicious and nutritious meals. But when it comes to actually eating a salad every day, it can be easy to get stuck in a rut! And that's where this list of salad toppings comes in. Sometimes we just need a little inspiration and reminder of all of the colorful and flavorful possibilities. Soon you'll be creating salads that are not only visually appealing but also packed with tons of amazing flavors and textures!
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Creating salads that are crave-able and exciting doesn't need to be difficult or time consuming. As with any other dish, it's easy to fall into a routine and add the same ingredients to your salads over and over again.
To keep your salad game fresh and inspired, incorporating a variety of vegetables, grains, seeds, fruits, nuts, and other toppings is key!
If you're anything like me, sometimes you need a little help getting the creative juices flowing. And that's why I put together this list of the healthiest and best salad toppings.
Oh, and don't miss the printable version at the bottom of the page! Put it on your fridge or take a screenshot, and you'll always have ideas when it's time to grocery shop.
List of Salad Toppings
Vegetables
Cucumbers, Bell Peppers, Celery, Asparagus, Carrots, Jicama, Sweet Potato, Brussels Sprouts, Winter Squashes, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Beets, Zucchini, Snow Peas, Snap Peas, Red Onion, Green Onion, Mushrooms, Radishes, Corn
Depending on the veggie, try them raw, pickled, roasted, blanched or steamed.
Grains
Quinoa, Bulgur, Rice, Wild Rice, Farro, Noodles, Pasta, Couscous
Cooked grains will make your salads more interesting, nutritious and filling.
Protein-Packed Ingredients
Lentils (Green, Brown, French Puy, Black Lentils), Beans (Garbanzo, Black, Pinto, Kidney, Cannellini, Adzuki, Black Eyed Peas), Edamame, Tempeh and Tofu (try it baked, air fried, or smoked), Meat Alternatives (such as seitan pepperoni, chorizo, and deli slices)
Fresh Fruit
Strawberries, Blueberries, Grapes, Apple, Pear, Figs, Persimmon, Mango, Avocado, Pomegranate, Mandarin Oranges, Grapefruit, Melons, Tomatoes, Medjool Dates
Enjoy fresh and dried fruits chopped, segmented, thinly sliced, whole, or blended into dressings.
Dried Fruit
Raisins, Currants, Cranberries, Cherries, Apricots, Prunes
Fresh Herbs
Cilantro, Parsley, Dill, Basil, Chives, Mint
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Cheese
Feta, Parmesan, Mozzarella, Bleu Cheese, Pimento Cheese Spread, Cottage Cheese
We use vegan versions of all of these! Find all of my vegan cheese recipes here. From homemade to store-bought, there are more dairy-free options than ever.
Salad on Salad
Chickpea Salad (such as curried chickpea salad, vegan tuna and chick'n salad), Egg Salad (try this creative mushroom version), Marinated Green Bean Salad, 3-Bean Salad, Texas Caviar, Seaweed Salad, Pasta Salad, Potato Salad
Prepared salads like these are a great way to use up leftovers and add fun flavors to your leafy greens.
Pickled & Fermented
Classic Pickles and Cornichon (dill, sweet or spicy), Pickled Vegetables (such as red onion, green beans, red peppers, mushrooms), Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Olives, Olive Tapenade
Salad Dressing Alternatives
Tahini, Pesto, Salsa, Zhoug, Relish, Guacamole, Hummus and Bean Dips, BBQ Sauce, Kimchi, Specialty Vinegars
Crunchy
Croutons, Crumbled Tortilla Chips, Corn Chips, Potato Chips, and Crackers, Water Chestnuts
Other
Nutritional yeast, Crumbled Nori, Dulse Flakes, Kelp Granules, Spice Blends
Need salad dressing ideas?
Try these: 👉 13 Easy Salad Dressing Recipes
And there you have it! With this plant-based guide to salad toppings, you'll never have to eat a boring salad again. Experiment with complementary flavors, varied textures, and unique combinations. Before you know it you'll be craving salad every day!
Print it!
Stick this list on your fridge or save a screenshot, and you'll always have it with you at the grocery store. Just tap the button below to get your copy.
What are your favorite salad toppings? Let us know in the comments below!
Priscilla says
Hi! Lori! Thank you for the list. It had so many options I had never considered, great for all meals. Love your recipes so nourishing and delicious.
Lysbeth Ranagan says
Thanks, Lori for the list because in the rush of meal prep it is easy for me to forget about all the amazing foods that can be used as toppings. The list will be a great help at mealtime.