In order for you to make the perfect salad you need to know something about the kinds of ingredients that you can use. A large number of salads will be made using a combination of different ingredients that not only complement one and other but provide different tastes and textures as well. Below we take a look at the various different types of salad ingredients that are used the world over to make a very simple and basic but very nutritious salad.

1. Lettuce & Green Leaved Plants - Often the most common variety of lettuce that people use to make a salad quickly is the iceberg variety. But there are plenty of others you may want to try which will add a completely different taste and texture to your salad. For instance why not try a butterhead lettuce which is very tender tasting one or the cos lettuce whose leaves are much coarser in texture.

If however, you are completely fed up of using lettuce in your salads why not try something completely different instead. You could try something like Arugula, which originates from Italy and has a tangy, but mildly peppery taste. Alternatively, for something a little more exotic and to provide a more eastern feel to the salad include some Bok Choy, which has a slightly bitter taste to it.

2. Vegetables & Fruit - Although many people prefer to stick with the more favored vegetables and fruits in their salads such as tomatoes or cucumber. There are plenty of other alternatives that they could try instead. Apples are an ideal accompaniment to any salad as they not only add sweetness but crunch as well. But for those who are considering using a plant such as Bok Choy in their salads to make something a little more unusual they could try combining it with bean sprouts, spring onions and cucumber. Then mix up a vinaigrette of sesame seed oil and soy sauce to drizzle over the top.

Along with using tomatoes, cucumber or green onions in your salad why not replace them with brocolli, carrots or beans. Further more in order to enhance the flavors of the ingredients in your salad add some herbs or spices which will complement them perfectly. Ideal ones to use are garlic, rosemary, cilantro and basil.

3. Meat and Fish - Although most people commonly think that a good salad should solely consist of just vegetables this is not the case. In fact, some of the world's best-known salads such as Caesar's have chicken, meat or fish in them. But it is best that you do not go over board on the amount of meat or fish you include.

However, you may want to include cheese rather than meat or fish into your salad. Plus a great way of adding some additional texture or crunch to the salad you are making is through adding croutons or nuts to it. If you choose to use nuts in your salad then go for the likes of walnuts, almonds or peanuts in it and preferably avoid those that have been ready prepared (such as pickled walnuts) or which are coated in salt.

When looking for the right salad ingredients for your salad it is vital that you go for the freshest ones possible. Avoid any kind of vegetable or fruit, which has markings on them or where the leaves have begun to wilt. Plus it is important before you place these ingredients together you thoroughly wash them although some come ready to use and in packaging they will have additives and chemicals on them which help to preserve them.

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At SaladFacts.com provides information about salads and their nutritional values. If you would like to learn more about creating great dressings for your salad ingredients click here.