Salad is a quick and easy lunch — especially when you are on the go. Keeping your salad flavorful and filling can be another story though. It’s time to get creative and get the most amount of the ingredients in your cupboard to make your salad healthy, filling and satisfying at the same time.

Many options are available for bases when it comes to salads. From kale, romaine, spinach and baby greens, you have plenty of options to switch up the bottom to make sure your salad does not become too routine.

1. For something fun and out of the ordinary, try making a cucumber tomato salad with no leaves.

2. Next add some vegetables and crunch to your salad. Stray away from the ordinary carrots and croutons to try out some roasted almonds, walnuts or pecans. Celery, cucumbers and radishes are a simple and easy way to add crunch but subtract calories.

3. Picking the perfect cheese for your salad can be tough. If you are shooting for more of a greek salad the feta should be your go-to. If you are incorporating fruit into your salad try goat cheese to spice up things. Selecting a cheese that is lower in fat or calories is a great way to maintain a flavorful salad without extra fat. 

4. Add some protein to your salad by incorporating grilled chicken or shrimp. Chickpeas are another option if you are vegetarian or just mixing up things. When roasted for 15-20 minutes, chickpeas become the perfect crunchy protein source.

5. Sweeten your salad by adding apples, strawberries or clementines depending on your salad dressing.

6. Store-bought dressings are easy to purchase, but not necessarily the best for you or even all that tasty in the first place. Try making your own fast and easy balsamic dressing by including 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, salt, fresh-ground pepper and minced garlic. This way you can have healthy and cheap dressing in your fridge at all times.

Whether you choose to add fruit, vegetables, seafood or a combination of them all, salads don’t always have to be boring and can provide an opportunity to get creative with the items you have in your fridge and cupboard.