Food and Health Communications

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Build Higher Fiber Salads

Creating a high-fiber salad is easy and delicious! Here are some of the highest fiber salad ingredients you can include:

  1. Leafy Greens: Start with a base of dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, arugula, or mixed salad greens. These are low in calories and high in fiber.

  2. Vegetables: Load up your salad with fiber-rich vegetables such as:

    • Bell peppers

    • Cucumbers

    • Tomatoes

    • Carrots

    • Broccoli

    • Cauliflower

    • Brussels sprouts

    • Radishes

    • Beets

    • Zucchini

    • Red cabbage

  3. Legumes and Beans: Add cooked beans or legumes for an extra boost of fiber and protein. Options include:

    • Chickpeas

    • Black beans

    • Kidney beans

    • Lentils

    • Edamame

  4. Whole Grains: Incorporate cooked whole grains into your salad for added texture and fiber. Options include:

    • Quinoa

    • Brown rice

    • Farro

    • Barley

    • Bulgur

    • Wheat berries

  5. Seeds and Nuts: Sprinkle seeds and nuts on top of your salad to add crunch, flavor, and additional fiber. Try:

    • Chia seeds

    • Flaxseeds

    • Sunflower seeds

    • Pumpkin seeds

    • Almonds

    • Walnuts

    • Pecans

  6. Fruits: While fruits are not typically associated with salads, adding some can bring a sweet and refreshing touch while contributing fiber. Consider:

    • Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

    • Apple slices

    • Pear slices

    • Grapes

    • Orange segments

  7. Avocado: Avocado is not only creamy and delicious but also high in fiber and healthy fats. Plus, it adds a satisfying richness to your salad.

  8. Dried Fruits: Add small amounts of dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots for sweetness and extra fiber. Just be mindful of the portion size as they can be high in sugar.

By combining these ingredients, you can create a delicious and nutritious salad packed with fiber to support your digestive health and overall well-being.