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6 Tips to Build an Award-Winning Satisfying Salad (That Actually Keeps You Full!)

Updated: Nov 13


plant-based salad

Ever taste a restaurant salad and think: How on earth is it THIS good?


That’s exactly how I feel every time I order the “Best Salad in Atlanta” from Petit Chou — a colorful, flavor-packed, nutrient-dense bowl of local veggies that somehow fills both belly and soul.


Yes, it literally won an award. Yes, I absolutely agree.


And here’s the good news: You can build an award-worthy satisfying salad right at home.


When people start eating more plants, they often default to salads… then wonder why they’re still hungry or unsatisfied. The truth? A great salad isn’t made of lettuce alone. It’s made of COLOR, TEXTURE, PROTEIN, HEALTHY FATS, whole grains, and fun flavor boosters that keep you energized and excited to dig in.


To celebrate National Nutrition Month, here are 6 easy tips that will take your salad from “meh” to magnificent.

satisfying salad

6 Tips to Build an Award-Winning Satisfying Salad


1. Start with a Leafy Green Base

Think of leafy greens as the canvas for your salad masterpiece. Choose what you love:

  • Arugula

  • Red leaf lettuce

  • Kale

  • Romaine

  • Spinach

  • A mix of the above


Bonus: Mix textures (soft + crunchy) for instant interest and gut health-promoting.


2. Add a Hearty Whole Grain

This is where your salad becomes a full meal. Whole grains add fiber, protein, and staying power — the key to feeling energized rather than empty.


Try adding:

  • Farro

  • Wheat berries

  • Brown rice

  • Barley

  • Quinoa

  • Wild rice


Just ½–1 cup makes a huge difference.


3. Pack in Colorful Veggies (Aim for 3 Colors!)

The more colors, the more antioxidants — and the prettier your bowl looks. Some of my favorites:

  • Radishes

  • Purple onion

  • Tomatoes

  • Cucumbers

  • Bell peppers

  • Carrots

  • Beets


Color = plant power.


4. Don’t Forget the “Super Veg” Crew


Add in cruciferous veggies for extra cancer-fighting, gut-loving benefits:

  • Purple cabbage

  • Broccoli

  • Brussels sprouts

  • Cauliflower

  • Shredded kale


These add crunch, texture, and a nutrient punch.


5. Boost with Plant-Based Protein

Protein keeps you satisfied longer and stabilizes energy. Mix and match:

  • Crunchy chickpeas

  • Lentils

  • Tofu or tempeh

  • Edamame

  • Walnuts, almonds, or pecans

  • Seeds: sunflower, pumpkin, hemp, sesame


A combo of one crunchy + one creamy protein is chef’s kiss.


6. Add Flavor Bombs (Your Salad Deserves Them!)

This is the fun part — and what separates “just a salad” from a wow salad.


Try adding:

  • Avocado (healthy fat + creaminess = perfection)

  • Fermented foods like sauerkraut or kimchi

  • Nutritional yeast

  • Scallions or fresh herbs

  • Roasted veggies

  • Citrus segments

  • A sprinkle of nuts or seeds


And for the final touch: A delicious dressing. My favorites include:

  • Lemon-tahini

  • Ginger-miso

  • Olive oil + lemon + sea salt

  • Avocado blended with lemon


Homemade dressings bring everything together.


vegan salad


A great salad isn’t just leaves — it’s layers. When you combine greens, whole grains, colorful veggies, healthy fats, protein, and flavor boosters, you get something truly satisfying… and maybe even award-winning.


Remember: there are no salad rules. Add what you love, play with new textures, and let your creativity (and veggies) shine.


Now tell me — what’s your must-have salad ingredient?

Mine will forever be avocado + pickled beets. 🥑💚

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