Step 3: Add a protein
Add one or more protein sources for a more filling, satisfying salad. Tofu, tempeh, shelled edamame, chickpeas, black beans, and kidney beans are great options. Try topping your greens with an eggless salad or "mock chicken salad" made with tofu or tempeh for a real treat!
Step 4: Add a healthy fat
Adding a little fat in your salad goes a long way. It adds flavor, helps you feel satisfied, and even helps you absorb the nutrients from all those greens and veggies. Avocado slices, vegan cheese shreds, nuts, seeds and olives are great add-ins.
Step 5: Whip up a dressing
There are tons of amazing vegan dressing options! Balsamic vinaigrette and Italian are often the only safe restaurant choices, but the sky's the limit at home! Use avocado or tahini for a creamy dressing base, and add Braggs, soy sauce, nutritional yeast, lemon, and/or garlic for extra flavor. Or try an oil-based dressing using olive, canola, grapeseed or safflower oil mixed with vinegar and spices. Salsa is awesome on taco salad, and hummus or vegan tzatziki sauce make a killer Greek salad!
Extras:
Salads are so versatile! Throw in some raisins, dried cranberries, baked tortilla or pita chips, rice noodles, pine nuts, or whatever else you like for a new flavor combination each time.