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How to build the perfect salad

DONE RIGHT, A salad can supply fiber, protein, and potent disease-fighting phytonutrients.

Done wrong, it’s no better than fast food. Turn over a new leaf with these easy suggestions.

1. Get raw

Fresh spinach has nearly nine times the bone-building vitamin K of iceberg lettuce. Use at least 2 cups and you’ll get a hefty dose of zeaxanthin and lutein to protect your vision as well.

2. Focus on color

Brightly colored produce generally serves up the most nutrients. For example, carrots and broccoli contribute beta-carotene (which the body can convert to vitamin A to bolster immunity, eyesight, and skin health) and anti-cancer compounds. The best salads include a variety of vegetables, such as artichoke hearts, beets, corn, red and green bell peppers, peas, plus lots of tomatoes (an excellent source of vitamin C

3. Pile on freebies

They’re not nutritional superstars, but you can’t go wrong with cucumbers, mushrooms, celery, or zucchini. They’re low-cal and their exceptional water content helps to fill you up.

4. Skip sprouts

They may look healthy, but raw alfalfa and mung sprouts have been linked to nearly 40% of recent food-related illnesses.

5. Skirt the creamy stuff

Steer clear of all mayo-based concoctions. Just 1⁄2 cup of pasta salad runs about 115 calories and 5 grams of fat; potato salad costs you around 180 calories and 10 fat grams. If you must have them, skip the dressing on your green salad.

6. Pound protein

Aim for at least 25 grams of high-quality protein, which will help keep you fuller longer. The best salad bar sources include whole egg (7 grams); cottage cheese (7 grams per 1⁄4 cup); tofu (6 grams per 1.4 ounces); chopped chicken or turkey (11 grams per 1/3 cup); or plain tuna (23 grams per 85 grams). Avoid using shredded cheese.

7. Fill up on fiber

Although most vegetables are decent fiber sources, beans are the best. Include 1⁄2 cup of chickpeas (garbanzos) for 5 fiber grams, or get 8 grams with black beans. Three-bean salad is another worthy option.

8. Go naked

Toppings like bacon bits, fried chow mein noodles, and croutons are a tease, with few nutrients and lots of calories. Sunflower seeds are the one exception. Two tablespoons (100 calories) provide nearly half your daily quota for vitamin E, necessary for fighting off many forms of cell damage. At 61 calories per 2 tablespoons, raisins are another OK choice—if you can spare the calories.

How to build the perfect salad

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