Best salad toppings

The right salad toppings can make all the difference — they add depth, complexity, and essential nutrients to your dish.

If you’re reading this, you’re probably tired of the same old salad routine. You want to spice things up and make your meals healthier and tastier.

Our list shares the best salad toppings that make your bowl tastier and healthy eating enjoyable.

Feeling inspired to create your own salad masterpiece? 

🥕 Bolt Market, the grocery store inside the Bolt Food app, delivers all your favourite toppings (and much more) to your door.

Let’s get dressing! 🥗

Table of contents:

• What are good salad toppings?
• Nuts & seeds 🥜
• Fresh herbs 🌿
• Vegetables 🥕
• Fruit 🍓
• Meat and fish 🍗
• Cheese 🧀
• Vegan proteins 🌱
• Bonus: salad dressings 🥗

What are good salad toppings?

The perfect salad toppings elevate your salad in 3 key ways:

• Flavour: take your dish from bland to exciting by adding sweet, salty, savoury, or tangy notes. 
• Texture: enhance your salad with crunchy, creamy, and chewy elements.
• Nutrition: add protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins.

With these factors in mind, let’s discover the best salad topping ideas that tick all the boxes!

Nuts & seeds 🥜

Almonds, chia seeds, pine nuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, walnuts

The benefits of nuts and seeds go far beyond flavour and texture. Remember that third element of the perfect salad topping we mentioned? ☝️ Nutrition! 

Each nut and seed has its unique nutritional profile. But generally, they’re packed with healthy fats and protein, turning your light salad into a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.

Here’s a closer look at the nutritional benefits they bring to your salad:

• Healthy fats: walnuts, sesame seeds, and almonds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and are known for their heart-health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Protein: pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds are excellent protein sources, helping you feel fuller for longer and supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Fibre: chia seeds and flax seeds are high in fibre, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

How to use nuts and seeds in salads:

Toasting nuts and seeds (like pumpkin seeds) deepens their flavour, enhances texture, and releases essential oils.

And the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to do. Just toast them in a preheated oven at 175°C (350°F) for 5–10 minutes or until golden brown. 

You can add them whole for a little crunch or chop them for a finer texture that seamlessly blends into your salad, adding subtle bursts of flavour and texture.

Fresh herbs 🌿

Basil, chives, fresh cilantro, dill, mint, parsley, tarragon, thyme

These plants tick all the boxes of a perfect salad topping — they enhance flavour, aroma, and nutritional value.

Fresh herbs are so rich in aromatic oils that they’re even used in perfumery! Just chopping them is enough to fill your kitchen with a pleasant smell.

And once they go from the chopping board to your bowl, each herb brings its unique personality to the salad. 

They’re also full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which provide health benefits like reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and aiding digestion.

How to use fresh herbs in salads:

Wash and dry them thoroughly. They can hide sand and grit between their leaves.

A fine chop is ideal for most herbs to release their full flavour and aroma. However, delicate herbs like basil and mint are best torn by hand to avoid bruising and preserve their vibrant colours. 

Remember, fresh herbs are potent, so start with a small amount and taste as you go to avoid overpowering other flavours in your salad.

Vegetables 🥕

Avocado, bell peppers, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cucumbers, green beans, leafy greens, onions, radishes, tomatoes

It’s hard to imagine a salad without veggies. They’re not just the foundation of any good dish, but also some of the most versatile and healthy salad toppings.

Each vegetable brings its unique character to the salad bowl. Mix and match as you see fit — you can’t go wrong with them!

• Creamy: avocadoes add richness and healthy fats.
• Crunchy: carrots, cucumbers, and radishes give a satisfying crunch.
• Juicy: tomatoes burst with sweetness and tanginess.
• Smoky: roasted sweet potatoes complement savoury ingredients with smoky sweetness.
• Savoury: red onion or mushroom can add depth and umami notes.

But it’s not only about how beautiful and delicious they are — they also bring an impressive amount of nutrition to your plate.

• Vitamins: red bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C, which boosts immunity and collagen production.
• Minerals: broccoli is a good source of potassium, which is important for heart health and blood pressure regulation.
• Fibre: carrots are packed with fibre, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
• Antioxidants: just 1 sweet potato gives you 102% of your daily vitamin A requirement, which supports immune function.

How to use veggies in salads:

Slice, dice, chop, grate — the possibilities are endless! 

Raw veggies offer a refreshing crunch, while cooked and roasted vegetables bring a softer texture and mellow sweetness to the mix.

Grilling broccoli, bell peppers, or onions before adding them to your salad intensifies their taste. The heat brings out their natural sweetness and adds a richer flavour.

Some studies show that cooking veggies helps your body digest them more easily and better absorb certain nutrients.

And just like with herbs, remember to wash them well before adding them to your salad.

Fruit 🍓

Apples, berries, grapes, lemons, mangoes, olives, oranges, peaches, pears, pomegranates

Adding fruit to your salad is a bit like pineapple on pizza—some people love it, some people hate it.

But did you know olives, a beloved salad topping, are actually fruits? It may be time to give other fruits a chance, too.

Here’s how your salad can benefit from the addition of fruits:

• Sweetness: berries, grapes, and mangoes add natural sweetness and juiciness.
• Tanginess: oranges and pomegranates provide a refreshing citrusy zing.
• Complexity: apples and pears offer a subtle sweetness with a hint of tartness.

And just like their veggie companions, fruits also make a healthy salad topping, thanks to the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants they pack:

• Vitamins: oranges, lemons, and limes are excellent sources of vitamin C, vital for immune function and skin health.
• Minerals: mangoes and bananas are rich in potassium, essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and muscle function.
• Antioxidants: berries are full of antioxidants, which protect your cells from damage and may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

How to use fruit in salads:

It’s all about complementing fruits with other ingredients in your salad. 

Sweet fruits like berries and mangoes pair beautifully with savoury ingredients like feta cheese or balsamic vinegar. 

And it’s not just about flavours — you can also pair according to textures.

Soft fruits like bananas or dried cranberries go well with crunchy nuts and seeds, while firmer fruits like apples and pears can be sliced, diced, or even grated for a different texture.

While fresh fruit is always an excellent choice for its flavour and nutritional value, don’t forget that dried fruits make a great salad topping, too!

Dried cranberries, apricots, prunes, or raisins add sweetness and a chewy texture to your salad and are a good source of fibre and antioxidants.

Sometimes, the simplest touch can make all the difference. Squeezing fresh lime or lemon juice over your salad can instantly brighten the flavours.

Meat and fish 🍗

Bacon, chicken, prosciutto, salmon, shrimp, steak, tuna, turkey

Meat and fish aren’t just for main courses (chicken Caesar salad is proof of that!). They can transform your salad from a light snack to a hearty meal.

Here are more benefits of adding meat or fish to your salad:

• Protein: meat and fish are excellent protein sources, essential for building and repairing tissues, maintaining muscle mass, and keeping you full and satisfied after a meal.
• Healthy fats: some types of fish, such as salmon and tuna, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, known for their heart-health benefits and anti-inflammatory properties. They may also help reduce anxiety.
• Versatility: cook them in countless ways — grilled, fried, baked, or poached.

How to use meat and fish in salads: 

First, consider how you cook your meat and fish — it will significantly influence the overall taste of your salad.

Grilling adds a smoky flavour that adds depth to your salad, while baking or roasting keeps the meat tender and juicy, especially for lean meats like chicken or turkey.

Next, think about portion size. Too much meat or fish can overwhelm your greens and veggies, while too little leaves you wanting more. 

Aim for a balance that allows the protein to shine without overshadowing other ingredients in your salad. Start small and add more as needed.

Cheese  🧀

Blue cheese, cheddar, feta cheese, goat cheese, mozzarella, parmesan

Cheese is more than just a topping for pizza or a sandwich filler — it’s a fantastic addition to salads, too.

Cheese adds a creamy, salty, or tangy flavour that can pair perfectly with different ingredients in your salad. 

The flavour will depend on which cheese you choose:

• Sharp and tangy: feta and goat cheese add a bright, tangy flavour that cuts through rich dressings.
• Creamy and mild: mozzarella and ricotta provide a smooth, creamy texture that complements fresh veggies.
• Salty and crumbly: parmesan and blue cheese offer a salty, savoury punch that pairs well with sweet or acidic ingredients.

But whichever you choose, all offer the following benefits:

• Protein: essential for building and repairing tissues and keeping you feeling full.
• Calcium: a vital mineral for strong bones and teeth.
• Vitamins: cheese contains various vitamins, including vitamin B12, which is important for nerve function and energy production.

How to use cheese in salads:

1. Crumble: feta, blue cheese, and goat cheese are perfect for crumbling over your salad, adding bursts of flavour and texture with every bite.
2. Grate: parmesan and aged cheddar are best grated for a finer texture that melts into your salad, adding subtle salty notes and a touch of umami.
3. Cube or slice: mozzarella and provolone can be cubed or sliced for a more substantial addition to your salad, providing a satisfying chewiness and milky sweetness.

Vegan proteins 🌱

Beans, chickpeas, edamame, lentils, tofu, tempeh, quinoa

You might be vegan or simply trying to reduce your meat consumption, but you still want to add some protein to your salad.

Luckily, there are plenty of tasty and healthy vegan salad toppings that give your salad that protein boost.

Here’s a closer look at different vegan proteins and their benefits:

• Chickpeas, black beans, kidney beans, and lentils are packed with protein, fibre, and iron. They offer a variety of textures and flavours, from the creamy, nutty taste of chickpeas to the earthy flavour of lentils.
• Edamame is a complete protein that contains all the essential amino acids your body needs. It also offers a good dose of fibre and vitamins like vitamin K and folate.
• Quinoa is another complete protein source rich in fibre, magnesium, and iron.
• Tofu offers a soft, silky texture, while tempeh has a firmer texture and a slightly nutty flavour. Both are excellent sources of protein, iron, and calcium.

How to use vegetarian proteins in salads

Cook beans, lentils, chickpeas, and quinoa before adding them to your salad — or save time and grab pre-cooked versions from Bolt Market. 

For an added crunch, toss in some roasted chickpeas or edamame until they’re crispy and golden brown.

Tofu is a great salad topping, no matter how you prepare it. Whether cooked or grilled, it adds an excellent texture and flavour to any salad. 

Try marinating tofu with a blend of soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger for that extra burst of deliciousness.

Bonus: salad dressings 🥗

Vinaigrette, tahini, sesame ginger, avocado lime, green goddess

The base is laid, and the salad toppings are piled high, but there’s still one crucial element missing — the dressing. 

It’s the final touch that ties everything together, adding a burst of flavour and a hint of moisture. 

Here are some popular salad dressing categories to consider:

• Vinaigrettes: these classic dressings include olive oil, lime juice, vinegar, and seasonings that are light, tangy, and versatile.
• Creamy salad dressings: made with ingredients like mayonnaise, yoghurt, buttermilk, or avocado, they add a luxurious touch to hearty salad toppings like chicken, beans, or grains.
• Dairy-free dressings: those with dietary restrictions or preferences need not miss out on the dressing fun — you can make these from ingredients like tahini, cashew cream, or avocado.

To ensure your salad sings with flavour, consider these tips for choosing and using salad dressings:

• Consider the salad: let the flavours and textures of your salad ingredients guide your dressing choice. A light vinaigrette might be perfect for a delicate green salad, while a creamy dressing could complement a heartier salad with grilled chicken.
• Balance flavours: achieve a harmonious balance by pairing strong-flavoured salads with lighter dressings and vice versa.
• Dress lightly: resist the urge to drown your salad in dressing. Start with a small amount and gradually add more as needed, ensuring each ingredient shines through.
• Toss gently: treat your salad carefully and ensure each leaf and topping is evenly coated with dressing without bruising your delicate greens.

Your favourite salad toppings are waiting!

With so many delicious and healthy options, the possibilities for creating the perfect salad are endless. 

Whether you love salads with a refreshing crunch, vibrant colours, or bold flavours — now’s the time to create your dream salad masterpiece.

And you don’t have to spend hours grocery shopping to get all the necessary ingredients. 

Your favourite salad toppings are just a few taps away on Bolt Market — an online store inside the Bolt Food app.

Salad toppings FAQ 

What can I put in my salad to fill it up?

Protein-rich options like grilled chicken or fish, hard-boiled eggs, tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils, or chickpeas will keep you full and energised.

What are the best keto salad toppings?

For a keto-friendly salad, top your greens with creamy avocado slices, full-fat cheese like cheddar or feta, and protein-rich additions like hard-boiled eggs, grilled chicken or shrimp, or crispy bacon bits.

What are the best low-calorie salad toppings?

For a light salad, you can top it with crunchy veggies like cucumbers, radishes, bell peppers, and leafy greens. These vegetables are naturally low in calories while providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fibre.