9 Simple Hacks to Take Your Salad Game to the Next Level

You know eating salad is good for you, but it can be hard to chomp down on boring old lettuce day after day. That's why you need these simple salad hacks to bring your salad game from meh to magnificent.

1. Put it in a jar.

Putting your salad in a mason jar makes it portable (and cute), so you can take it to work, to class or on a picnic! Check out these tips about how to layer your salad jar so that every ingredient stays fresh and crunchy.

2. Add legumes.

Legumes — like peanuts, lentils, beans and chickpeas — are awesome, protein-packed additions to a salad that can help you mix up your lunch routine.

3. Spice it up.

Adding some spice to your salad, whether it's cut-up peppers or hot sauce in your dressing, can keep things exciting at lunchtime. Spicy food has also been shown to have potential health benefits including longevity, weight-loss and pain relief.

4. Vary your proteins.

One sure way to get sick of salad is using the same ingredients over and over again. Break the boredom by mixing up your proteins and trying out different fish or meats. Ever had a salad with smoked salmon? What about steak?

5. Try new fruits.

Fruits are like vegetables but better. Keep your salad game strong by incorporating different fruits, like pineapple, strawberries, oranges or pears. You can even grill them first to get a delicious caramelization.

6. Get cheesy.

Everyone knows that cheese is basically crack, so use it with caution — but a little goat cheese, parmesan or bleu cheese can really take your salad to the next level.

7. Put an egg on it.

Eggs have lots of protein, and can be super delicious even without adding anything beyond salt and pepper. Put a fried or hardboiled egg on top of a salad and it instantly goes from normal to ovo-tastic.

8. Add a grain.

Whole grains like farro, barley or quinoa can make for a delicious salad base or a fun topping, depending on how you want it. These guys also soak up the flavors around them, so make sure to pair a grain with a punchy dressing.

9. Avocado

We've got one word for you: avocado. Avocados are creamy, delicious and nutritious. They can make any salad feel fancy and exciting. And, it's practically a proven fact that avocados make everything delicious. 

Read more: How to Make the Perfect Mason Jar Salad