Check out this blog if you want a little more guidance on making your salad bar for the week! You’ll notice on your grocery list that there’s a checkbox for salad ingredients, and/or a veggie platter; you can purchase extras of the things already on your list. add any favourite veggies or toppings to your grocery cart, leverage your pantry staples. or get creative if you have leftovers!
In my kitchen, you will usually find a big bowl of salad in our fridge and some cut up veggies for the family. We make a big batch salad almost every week, so that there’s always something healthy to have on hand. Food HAS to be convenient to make it practical. Having something healthy prepped in the fridge, makes it easier to eat and easier to make smarter snack decisions! Salad always makes a great addition to lunches or dinners served on the side!
How To Create A Salad Bar
To create a salad bar, simply tear up your washed greens in a large bowl (or reusable sealable bag) and add which ever hearty ingredients ie: feta cheese, peppers, celery, beans) you wish to create your base; then add in different toppings (see below) every night. We tend to use a base of kale because it’s sturdy enough to last the week but you could use a green lettuce, spinach or romaine lettuce, it just might only last 3 days (versus 4-5 with kale).
Some toppings are best added just before serving, so we mix it up. Try setting out a few different ingredients (see the topping ideas below) alongside the salad base to create your own family salad bar – what a fun way for kids to enjoy salad! We leave the dressing off until we’re ready to eat and use one that’s pre-made in the fridge. I encourage you to make your own vinaigrette at the start of each week also: it’s super easy! Any good quality vinaigrette will work.
Salad Bar Topping Ideas
- Sweet bell peppers
- Chickpeas
- Black beans
- Cucumbers
- Tomatoes
- Shredded carrot
- Shredded beets
- Diced celery
- Blanched asparagus
- Pumpkin seeds
- Sliced almonds or other nuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Raisins or other dried fruit
- Blueberries or other berries
- Olives
- Feta cheese
- Shredded cabbage
- Avocados
- Sprouts
- Apple or pear, sliced
- Grapes
- Diced tofu or smoked tofu
- Sliced chicken breast
- Green or red onion, sliced
- Hard boiled eggs
