No Really, Eat a Breakfast Salad

Posted by Emily Ho · April 29, 2019

Take the fuzzy socks, bowls of oatmeal, and hot cocoa mix and stuff them deep in a place where the sun don’t shine. Then, rock those racerbacks, stretch into a sun salutation, soak up the vitamin D, and get back to food that feels like everyone is alive. Because … it’s spring, you guys!!!

One fresh idea we’re springing into like a new baby rabbit is breakfast salads. No, really.

What isn’t to love? Loads of fruits and veggies at the start of the day, perking you up with vitamins and energy as you plunge into a workout or just work.

The big salad you love at lunch and dinner? Still just as satisfying at breakfast, and might even feel like a splurge because it’s so different, so beyond the pale of your typical smoothie or basic eggs. It also packs easily and travels well, so you can have it ready-to-go in your gym bag or save it to stay alert during that morning conference call.

Here’s how to build the best breakfast salad:

Spring Greens. Build a base of crisp, fresh greens and supercharge the nutrition value right away. Kale, arugula, spinach, baby greens, shredded brussels, romaine, butter… they’re all fair game and each give their share of unique fiber, vitamins, and minerals you absolutely need.

Eggcellent Protein. One thing the most beeeautiful food porn #breakfastsalad posts have in common? Eggs. Poached, over-medium, soft-boiled...they all add generous protein and that yolky goodness that could very well replace a fatty dressing. Hard-boiled makes it even easier for a breakfast salad on-the-go.

Fall for Fats. There is such thing as a healthy fat, and you’ll find them in avocado, feta crumbles, chopped nuts, chia or sesame seeds, or olives. These have a satiating quality that help fill you up.

Feel Fruity. Apples, peaches, cherries, blueberries, grapefruit, watermelon, and tomatoes will brighten every bite of this morning salad. Mix and match a few favorites, or go all-in on what’s in season and available that week.

Food Confetti. Sprinkle the top with bacon, because bacon. Shredded carrots offer a nice crunch. A smattering of peas gives great color and a boost of folate.

Dress for Success. Salsa, a yolky egg, even a hollandaise will make tasty dressing alternatives. But this Espresso Vinaigrette or Maple Vinaigrette can really transform the flavor profile of this new breakfast dish.

Breakfast salad ideas