The "Ridiculously Big Salad” — My “Secret” To Losing 120 Pounds

feta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: shredded mozzarella

Cottage cheese provides protein with fewer calories.

croutons

🥗Healthier: toasted nuts

💰Cheaper: bread cubes

Toasted nuts add crunch with healthy fats.

olive oil

🥗Healthier: avocado oil

💰Cheaper: canola oil

Canola oil is more affordable while still being a neutral oil.

balsamic vinegar

🥗Healthier: apple cider vinegar

💰Cheaper: red wine vinegar

Red wine vinegar offers a similar tang at a lower price.

Wash and dry the spinach and Romaine lettuce thoroughly.

Chop the red, orange, yellow, and green peppers into small chunks.

Halve the mini tomatoes.

Chop the broccoli into bite-sized pieces.

Dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces.

If using, thinly slice the onions.

Add any other vegetables you enjoy to the salad bowl.

Add the fruits (strawberries, apples, grapes, blueberries, pineapple, peaches) to the salad.

In a large bowl, combine all the vegetables and fruits.

If desired, add sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, beans, chicken, bacon, shrimp, fish, olives, or low fat cheeses.

For the dressing, mix fresh lemon juice with spices, or use flavored or plain sugar-free syrups, balsamic or rice vinegars, flavored olive oils, or a mixture of Dijon mustard with vinegar, salt, sugar, garlic, and cheese.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens