As during summer months emerge, many of us start craving refreshing and cool salads to combat the heat. However, the classic summer salad ingredients can sometimes be so high in sodium that they deter the purpose of a healthy meal. The good news is that you can make simple swaps to create delicious and wholesome summer salads that are perfect for your health goals.

One of the easiest swaps you can make is replace traditional mayonnaise with healthier alternatives like Greek yogurt. Those ingredients not only offer creaminess to your salad but also a boost of protein and healthy fats. You can use them to make a tasty vinaigrette or as a topping for your salad.

Another great swap is using grilled chicken or meatballs instead of convenient meats like hot dog. These protein sources are not only few in saturated fat but also packed with nutrients like vitamin B or omega-3 fatty acids. Simply prepare them with some of coconut oil and seasonings and add them to your salad for a protein-packed meal.

Leafy greens are a staple in summer salads, but you can swap boring old lettuce for exotic and nutritious options like arugula, Bok Choy, or kale. These greens bring not only packed vitamins and light flavor to your salad. You can also add other vegetables like bursting tomatoes, cucumbers, and carrots to add texture and depth.

Some other nutritious swaps you can make include swapping balsamic vinegar with trifecta (regular) vinegar, adding crunchy elements like almonds, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds, and using fresh greens like basil, mint, or fresh cilantro to add flavor. You can also opt traditional cheese pieces like cheddar or mozzarella with delectable options like feta, goat cheese, or بهترين دكتر رژيم لاغري در تهران whipped ricotta.