50 Salad Bar Toppings


Whether you're looking to boost nutritional value or add flavor, there are lots of ways to spruce up a salad. We've got a rundown of 50 salad bar toppings to help get you thinking creatively the next time you throw together a bowl of leafy greens.

Crunchy Options

Add a little crunch with these ideas. They're usually best when added at the end, but we're giving them the top spot.

  1. Nuts (almonds, sugared pecans, walnuts, peanuts)
  2. Tortilla chips
  3. Sesame seeds
  4. Croutons (try taking old bread and making your own)
  5. Onion rings
  6. Granola

Creamy Options

From tasty cheeses perfect for salads to delicious dairy-free options, add a touch of creaminess to salads with these ideas.

  1. Shredded cheese (cheddar, parmesan)
  2. Gorgonzola cheese
  3. Blue cheese crumbles
  4. Tahini
  5. Hummus

Vegetables

Try any of these veggies roasted, grilled, marinated, raw or even pickled.

  1. Asparagus
  2. Zucchini
  3. Beets
  4. Artichoke hearts
  5. Cucumbers
  6. Peppers
  7. Carrots
  8. Broccoli
  9. Peas
  10. Red onion
  11. Celery
  12. Mushrooms
  13. Sweet potato
  14. Radishes
  15. Olives
  16. Corn

Fruits

Toss in these fruits dry or fresh, chopped or whole.

  1. Raisins
  2. Apple wedges
  3. Tomatoes (sundried, cherry, chunks)
  4. Cranberries
  5. Peaches
  6. Strawberries
  7. Pineapple chunks

Proteins

The heart of the salad bowl! Spice it up with meat, seafood, or vegetarian proteins. Include a little of each for people to choose from!

Meats

  1. Chicken
  2. Turkey
  3. Steak
  4. Ham
  5. Bacon
  6. Boiled Eggs

Seafood

  1. Tuna
  2. Salmon
  3. Crab Cakes
  4. Shrimp
  5. Scallops

Vegetarian

  1. Kidney beans
  2. Black beans
  3. Garbanzo beans
  4. Edamame
  5. Tofu
Depending on the type of salad you're making, a combination of these toppings can take it to the next level and give you enough options for a different salad every night of the week!

Michelle Boudin is an investigative reporter for WCNC TV and a freelance writer.