How to: Hit the Salad Bar Like a Boss
Description: Learn how to navigate a salad bar like a pro to get the most bang for your buck. This guide offers tips on choosing ingredients, understanding pricing, and making smart choices to create a delicious and cost-effective salad.
Ingredients
- Leafy greens (e.g., spring mix)
- Shredded carrot
- Daikon
- Beets
- Mushrooms
- Roasted garlic cloves
- Leafy greens
- Mushrooms
- Croutons
- Seeds
- Nuts
- Dried fruit
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Salad dressing
- Pasta
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Chicken or tuna salads
- Cooked beans and grains
- Fresh fruit
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Specialty cheeses
- Beans
- Pasta
Instructions
- Bulk up on light-weight items and avoid heavy ones. Lightweight items include leafy greens, mushrooms, croutons, seeds, nuts, and dried fruit. Heavy items include tomatoes, cucumbers, salad dressing, pasta, hard-boiled eggs, chicken or tuna salads, cooked beans and grains, and fresh fruit.
- Choose items that are sliced thin or cut small, as a little goes a long way.
- Compare salad bar prices to regular item prices. Load up on items like nuts, seeds, and specialty cheeses that may be cheaper per pound at the salad bar. Avoid items like beans and pasta that are typically much cheaper when bought pre-packaged.
- Use your own dressing if eating at home. If not, opt for dressing packets or small cups that may not be weighed with your salad.
- Replicate pre-packaged salads by building your own at the salad bar, which is often half the price.
- Example Salad: A significant portion of spring mix was used, followed by a scoop each of shredded carrot, daikon, beets, mushrooms, and roasted garlic cloves. This salad was divided into three smaller side salads, costing $1.73 each.