When it comes to topping salads, there is an overwhelming array of possibilities. From croutons, nuts and bacon bits to crumbled cheese and freshly cut fruits, salad toppings can make a salad go from ordinary to extraordinary. Besides providing a tasty crunch and flavor to a salad, salad toppings are also great for adding color, texture and extra nutrition.
When it comes to choosing the right type of toppings for your salads, it’s important to consider the types of ingredients that make up the salad. For instance, if you’ve created a salad that is based around greens like lettuce, spinach or kale, you’ll want to choose toppings that will help lift the flavor while still providing texture and crunch. Some of the best options for these types of salads include croutons, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, slivered almonds, shaved parmesan cheese and nuts.
For salads that are filled with colorful vegetables such as tomatoes, bell peppers, corn and carrots, you’ll want to choose toppings that both add color and flavor to the salad. Nowadays, there are a variety of grain-based crunches available, such as quinoa-based puffs, chickpea crunchies and lentil chips, which can be a healthier alternative to deep-fried croutons. Other great options for these types of salads include roasted pine nuts, roasted pumpkin seeds, feta cheese, olives, capers and freshly-cut fruits.
When making protein-packed salads which feature beans, eggs, grilled chicken, fish or steak, you’ll want to select toppings that will complement the proteins without overpowering them. Grated hard boiled eggs and grated cheese can provide a hint of creaminess to a salad, whereas cooked bacon and crumbled chorizo can add a salty kick. If you are looking to add some sweetness to your salads, dried fruit, crunchy apples and pomegranate arils are great options.
You can also combine different toppings to create amazing flavor combinations. For example, a combination of fresh avocado slices, pomegranate arils, goat cheese and toasted sunflower seeds can turn a simple salad into something special. You can also mix sweet and savory ingredients together, such as blueberries and sliced almonds, or oranges and crumbled chorizo.
No matter how you decide to top your salad, make sure that the ingredients are fresh and of the highest quality. The key to creating a delicious and satisfying salad is by using a combination of different flavors and textures, so experiment with different types of toppings to find the perfect combination for your needs.