100+ Salad Toppings to Create the Perfect Salad for You
My salad toppings list is packed with ideas to add flavor and texture to your salads. From crunchy veggies to seafood delights, there’s something on this list for everyone.
With one hundred topping ideas, you’ll never be short of inspiration with this list. Why not download it and print it off to use at home?
Use the download link to get it for free. Once printed, you can quickly scan it for inspiration. Or, you can make it a challenge to try all of the toppings and find some new favorites.
My Personal Go-To’s
Before we get into the list, I’d like to start with my favorite toppings. These are also included in their own section below.
If you’d like some personal recommendations from me, give these toppings a try on your salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Roasted Bell Peppers
- Marinated Artichokes
- Avocado
- Feta or Mozzarella
- Olives
- Flaky Sea Salt (Maldon)
- Croutons
- Lemon-Olive Oil Vinaigrette
- Balsamic Glaze
I usually build a salad following the principles of:
Greens (my go-to’s are romaine or arugula) +
Something Crunchy (like fresh veggies, toasted nuts, or croutons)+
Something Salty (like feta, blue cheese, or olives) +
Something Fatty (like avocado, cheese, or olive oil) +
Something Tart (like tomatoes, marinated artichokes, vinegar, or lemon juice) +
Something Very Flavorful/Umami (sundried tomatoes, parmesan, or roasted bell peppers)
I also generally add some Maldon flaky sea salt (if I haven’t used a salty cheese) and a simple lemon and olive oil vinaigrette with fresh herbs.
Veggies (Including Legumes)
Veggies can add plenty of nutrients, texture, and flavor to a salad. Plenty of these can be added fresh and chopped, while others are delicious if you roast them.
- Cucumbers
- Roasted Vegetables
- Zucchini (Courgettes)
- Carrots (Shredded or Roasted)
- Corn
- Roasted Beets
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes
- Broccoli (Fresh or Roasted)
- Radishes
- Jicama
- Celery
- Onions (Raw, Pickled, or Grilled)
- Mushrooms
- Chickpeas
- Beans
Cheeses
Not many foods don’t taste extra delicious when you add cheese! Preparation, here, is everything. You can add some cheeses whole, like burrata. You can crumble feta, while parmesan is best grated or shaved. And you can grill some cheeses like halloumi.
- Feta
- Goat Cheese
- Burrata
- Mozzarella
- Halloumi
- Ricotta
- Parmesan
- Blue Cheese (like Gorgonzola)
- Swiss Cheese
- Cotija
Antipasti
Want to add a little Italian wonder to your salad? Try some of these antipasti options. Full of tart, rich, and Mediterranean flavors, these ingredients can add so much to your salad.
- Marinated Artichokes
- Sundried Tomatoes
- Olives
- Anchovies
- Cured Meats
- Peperoncini
- Pickled Green Beans
- Pickled Mushrooms
- Marinated Asparagus
- Tapenade
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds don’t just add texture to your salads. They add subtle flavors and plenty of goodness. These are great choices and easy to add. You can add them raw, toasted, candied, or caramelized (depending on your preference).
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Sunflower Seeds
- Sesame Seeds
- Almond Flakes
- Pine Nuts
- Hazelnuts
- Walnuts
- Pecans
- Macadamia Nuts
- Chia Seeds
Herbs
Fresh herbs are best, but sometimes dried herbs work just as well. For example, you could use dried oregano in a lemon-olive oil dressing for a Greek or Mediterranean-inspired salad.
- Basil
- Mint
- Spring Onions
- Chives
- Parsley
- Cilantro/Coriander
- Dill
- Oregano
- Tarragon
- Thyme
Fruits & Berries
To add sweet, tart, and juicy flavors to your salad, opt for some sliced fruit or berries. As long as you don’t overload the sweetness, fruit and berries can work really well with fresh, savory salads.
- Tomatoes
- Avocado
- Oranges
- Peaches
- Grapes
- Pears
- Apples
- Berries (Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries)
- Watermelon
- Dried Fruit (Cranberries, Raisins, Cherries)
Salad Dressings
A dressing brings all those lovely, fresh ingredients together. Often, a dressing can make or break a salad. There are classics and lesser-known combinations in this list.
- Olive Oil
- Lemon Olive Oil Vinaigrette
- Red Wine Vinegar Vinaigrette
- Pesto Sauce
- Tahini Sauce
- Balsamic Glaze
- Honey Mustard
- Caesar
- Blue Cheese
- French Dressing
- Italian Dressing
- Ranch Dressing
- Russian Dressing
- Thousand Island
- Mayo
Meat & Seafood
Add some protein to your salad with these meat and seafood options.
- Chicken
- Bacon
- Turkey
- Steak
- Ham
- Beef
- Salmon
- Shrimp
- Tuna
- Crab
Grains (and Pseudo-Grains)
Especially if you have a light salad, grains can really make it into a hearty meal. These grains (and pseudo-grains) are easy to prepare and great for lots of different salads.
- Quinoa
- Buckwheat
- Bulgur Wheat
- Wild Rice
- Farro
Others
Here are a few more ideas if you’re still looking for inspiration.
- Boiled Eggs
- Couscous
- Tofu
- Croutons
- Capers
- Guacamole
Salad Recipes
While we’re on the topic, be sure to have a look at my salad recipe roundup to inspire you to find your favorite combination of toppings. There are both sweet and savory options and lots of fun and creative combinations. I’m sure there’s a brand-new salad there for you to fall in love with!
The possibilities are endless when it comes to salads. There are so many delicious combinations to try.
My salad toppings list has a little something for everyone. If you have a favorite topping not listed, let me know in the comments. Feel free to download my free printable and enjoy adding new textures and flavors to your salads.
