Build a Better Summer Salad

    By: Jacqueline Gomes, MBA, RDN

    Salads are a great way to add variety and a bounty of nutrients to your diet.

    Summer is a great time to enjoy salads as you can add in a variety of fresh ingredients that are nutritious and bursting with flavor. I love adding in plant-based proteins like beans, nuts and seeds to my salads to really pump up the nutrition factor.

     

    Here are 3 ways to build a better summer salad!

    • Build your base: Crunchy lettuce or spinach. Dole salad kits are a convenient and tasty place to start.
    • Add crunch: Carrots, cucumber, peppers, snap peas, string beans, broccoli, red onion, cabbage and corn
    • Sweet additions: blueberries, strawberries, apples, dried cranberries, raisins, apricots
    • Power up with protein: Grilled chicken, canned tuna, crab meat, sliced steak, salmon, eggs, cheese, chicken peas, edamame, tofu, nuts, beans and legumes.

     

    Plant Power Salad Wrap

    a salad wrap with edamame on a plate

    Prep: 5 minutes

    Makes: 6 wraps

     

    Ingredients:

    • 1 Dole Salt Kit Sesame Asian or any variety
    • 1 cup shelled edamame
    • 6 whole grain wraps

     

    Directions:

    1. In a large bowl toss Dole Salad kit with dressing and add-ins, toss in edamame.
    2. Lay one wrap on a dish, fill with 1 cup salad and fold up. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

     

    Recipe: Jacqueline Gomes, RDN, MBA