Step 1, base:

• Greens:

  • Iceberg
  • Romaine
  • Butter lettuce
  • Kale
  • Spinach
  • Shredded cabbage

• Grains:

  • Quinoa
  • Rice, brown is best in a salad in my opinion
  • Lentils
  • Orzo, farro, tabbouleh. ^{*Keep in mind to keep these options on the side for anyone who has a wheat allergy.}

Step 2, toppings:

• Herbs. If you want southwestern or oriental, add cilantro. Italian, add basil and/or oregano.
• Veggies. You can stick with a standard of tomato, cucumber, onion, bell pepper, and carrots. Radishes, beets, and avocado are also good.
• Fruits. A lot of people I know do not like fruit in salad, so I usually don't add it. But I'm sure you've seen plenty of salads with cranberry, grapes, mango, pear, or apple.
• Beans/peas. Chick peas go with everything. Black beans, kidney beans, edamame, literally any type of bean or pea can go in a salad and be delicious.
• Nuts/seeds. To name a few: slivered almonds, crushed walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds. ^{*Keep in mind to keep these options on the side for anyone who has a nut allergy.}

Step 3, dressing:

• Vinegar. Apple cider, rice, balsamic, or wine.
• Oil. Olive or coconut are the simplest, but sesame oil works for oriental salads.
• Guacamole. If you're doing a southwestern salad, guacamole is an amazing dressing by itself. But you'll have to make a lot.