More Veggie Salad Ideas That Don't Lack Protein

Quinoa Salad With Eggs

Quinoa, the South American pseudo-grain, is an awesome source of protein, along with other goodies such as antioxidants and magnesium. It's soft center and crunchy sides make it an ideal salad base — though quinoa can easily replace rice in many hot dishes, it is just as tasty when eaten cold. 

Besides quinoa, choose:

• Broccoli — positively full of vitamin C as well as a good source of protein and vitamin B6
• Cherry tomatoes — vitamin C and some protein
• Garden cress — another vitamin C champion
• Scallions — vitamin C, iron, and magnesium
• Some boiled eggs, which, of course, also offer protein

After cooking your quinoa, boiling your eggs, and steaming your broccoli, simply toss all these ingredients together, and add a generous dose of olive oil and lemon juice. 

Chickpea, Mozzarella, And Avocado Salad

Mozzarella and chickpeas may seem like a bit of an odd combination — that is, they did to me, but when my neighbor made this salad, I really loved it!

We're talking:

• Chickpeas — for the protein of course, but they're also very rich in iron, magnesium, and vitamin B6
• Avocado — full of good fats, and also home to various other goodies, including a bit of protein
• Mozzarella — protein, tons of calcium, and a fair amount of vitamin A
• To "spice it up" a bit, add finely chopped parsley, lemon, raw onions, and some dried cranberries. My neighbor's secret special ingredient was, she revealed to me, peach juice. Again, sounds way odd, but it works. 

If you opt to get canned chickpeas, this salad requires zero cooking, which is a bonus sometimes. 

Thai Papaya Peanut Salad

If you like your salad with something sweet in it, you'll love this. You will need:

• Papaya — offers a ginormous amount of vitamin C, a tiny bit of protein, and lots of taste
• Lettuce — is highest in vitamin A, which, by the way, you shouldn't get too much of
• Tomatoes, as already discussed
• Lots of fresh lime juice, again great for vitamin C
• Loads of roasted peanuts — full of protein, iron, magnesium, and calcium

Now, Go Make Your Own!

As long as you choose a salad that contains some protein, some ingredients that offer dietary fiber, and different fruits and veggies that give you different vitamins and minerals, you are basically good to go. Making simple dressings yourself is better than buying commercial dressings with are chock-full of calories and don't offer much in the way of nutritional benefits. If you want to get more involved, try making your own ranch dressing, which is tasty with almost everything, but if not, keep it easy — balsamic vinegar, honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, lime juice, mustard, olive oil, sesame oil, and yogurt are all great things to have on hand for salads. One word: when it comes to salads, it's easy to toss too many random ingredients together and hoping for the best. Fewer ingredients that work well together are bound, however, to give you tastier meals.