The summer heat can reduce your appetite, which is why salads are the to-go-to meals in summer. Why not add toppings to your salad to make sure it becomes a balanced meal loaded with superfoods?
Here are my eight favorite superfood toppings to add to any salad:
Chia Seeds:
Sprinkle Chia seeds over your salad for a nutrient punch. They are an excellent source of omega-3, rich in antioxidants, and provide fiber, iron, and calcium.
Chickpeas:
A great vegetarian option to fill your salad with protein. Beans in general can provide up to 15 grams of protein per cup as well as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Chickpeas in specific are also loaded with iron, which makes them my legumes of choice.
Hard-Boiled Eggs:
One large egg provides 6 grams of protein and over 15 vitamins and minerals for only 75 calories. Try to look for free-range eggs.
Pomegranate Seeds:
This is one nutritious salad topping. Pomegranate seeds are rich in antioxidants and provide amazing texture and color to any salad.
Sunflower Seeds:
These seeds add a nice crunch to your salad. Packed with B vitamins, they are also a good source of protein, iron, and vitamin E.
Mung Beans:
These legumes were used in abundance by our ancestors but have been forgotten over the years; unfortunately, so as they offer some impressive health benefits. One cup of boiled mung beans contains 14.2 grams protein, 15 grams fiber, and 80% of your daily folate needs. They are rich in essential amino acids, which your body is unable to produce on its own.
Quinoa:
This whole grain will add texture to your salad, as well as fiber and protein, the combination of which will leave you feeling full and satisfied for a longer period.
Blueberries:
Although they can be difficult to find fresh and tend to be pricey in the Middle East, these kings of antioxidant foods have so many health benefits that I do want to include them. Low in calories and among the most nutrient-dense berries, they are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. Frozen berries are a great alternative as they tend to contain the same nutritional elements as fresh berries.
Try adding these toppings to your salad and you will surely feel the superfood punch that they provide.
