Tired of eating the same salad, day after day? You can cure the salad blues by experimenting with new and exciting ingredients. Here, approved for all Phases, are a few alternatives to typical salad fixings:

• Try a darker, more nutrient-dense green (such as baby spinach, arugula, or a spring mix) over your usual iceberg lettuce.
• Opt for squash, eggplant, artichoke, and zucchini grilled with a touch of extra-virgin olive oil, instead of (or in addition to) more traditional ingredients, like tomatoes and cucumbers.
• Try avocado or olives for a touch of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.
• Toss in grilled chicken, salmon, tuna, shrimp, or even tofu, for some satisfying lean protein.
• Top with pecans, sunflower seeds, or another more exotic nut, instead of white-bread, buttery croutons.
• Make your own salad dressing with an extra-virgin olive oil, mustard, balsamic vinegar, and garlic. Store-bought dressings are fine, too, as long as they don't contain more than 3 grams of sugar per 2-tablespoon serving.

Adding variety to your salad possibilities will help you enjoy healthy, flavorful meals and continue with the South Beach Diet lifestyle. Members can visit the Food & Recipes section of the South Beach Diet Online for more delicious and inventive salad recipes!

 

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