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50+ Best Salad Topping Ideas

Need some salad topping ideas? Whether you’re craving crunch, a boost of protein, or a classic salad bar type topping, I have a ton of ideas for you! Many of these toppings overlap categories—think nuts that are both crunchy and packed with protein—so you’re bound to find plenty of inspiration!

Pinterest pin for salad toppings ideas list.

Crunchy Salad Toppings

Crunch is the secret ingredient that can take a salad from good to great! I HAVE to have some kind of crunch in every salad I eat. Nuts are an easy option like the walnuts in this arugula and spinach salad and the sunflower seeds in this amazing fall salad! Here are some other crunchy toppings to consider:

Fall salad for a crowd on a large white serving platter.
Perfect Fall Salad for a Crowd

Healthy Salad Toppings

If you’re looking to keep things on the healthy side, these toppings are packed with nutrients and still taste great. I love the quinoa in this arugula salad, the shredded carrots and cilantro in this in this chopped Thai salad, and the mint makes this watermelon cucumber salad amazing. Perfect for when you want a salad that feels good to eat:

  • Fresh avocado or guacamole
  • Sliced fresh fruit
  • Hummus
  • Shredded carrots
  • Radishes
  • Quinoa
  • Farro
  • Salsa or Pico de Gallo
  • Dried fruit
  • Black beans (or your favorite bean)
  • Roasted veggies
  • Fresh herbs
  • Avocado
  • Pomegranate seeds
  • Olives
Arugula and Quinoa Salad with chicken and beets in a large serving bowl.
Quinoa and Arugula Salad with Chicken and Beets

Salad Bar and Classic Salad Toppings

Remember the good old days of piling toppings onto your salad at the salad bar (extra croutons, bacon bits, and 1000 Island dressing for me!)? These classic toppings on a classic salad never get old and always hit the spot:

  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sliced olives
  • Beets
  • Mushrooms
  • Broccoli
  • Peas
  • Corn
  • Red onion
  • Cubed ham or turkey
  • Bacon bits
  • Croutons
Tossed salad for a crowd in a large white bowl.
Classic Tossed Green Salad for a Crowd

High Protein Salad Toppings

Want your salad to actually fill you up? High-protein toppings are the way to go. I love the chicken in bruschetta salad with chicken,the tuna in this tuna pesto pasta salad, and the Greek yogurt “hidden” in this elote pasta salad! Here are some tasty options to keep you full and happy:

  • Leftover meat: chicken, steak, turkey
  • Shrimp
  • Rotisserie chicken
  • Cottage cheese
  • Hard boiled eggs
  • Roasted salmon
  • Tuna
  • Edamame
  • Falafel
  • Greek yogurt
Bruschetta salad with chicken on a white plate.
Bruschetta Salad with Chicken

Did you get some great ideas?

What other toppings for salads are your favorite? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear from you.

XO ~ Casey

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