Are you wondering why loading up on salad isn’t helping you to slim down? Many of us think that choosing to eat a salad is the perfect way to cut down on calories. But, they aren’t always synonymous with weight loss in the absence of right ingredient. Believe it or not, with so many unhealthy options available some have even more calories as compared to burger and fries. But with the right fixings, salads can be flavour-packed and fulfilling offering all the right nutrients needed to keep cravings at bay. Our top ten picks of healthy salads prove it is possible to pack in the greens without the extra pounds.

The truth is salads can be waistline busters, all thanks to overload of high calorie ingredients. Not all salads are healthy and act as your best calorie bet whether you are eating out or at home. There are few ‘secret sabotages’ when it comes to perfect salad making. So, what are the most suitable ingredients to get that perfect healthy mix? No fears, our list of ten nutrient-dense healthy salads support weight-loss targets, fuel your body and tantalise your taste buds with their fresh flavours.

Asian Tofu Salad

Tofu, a great meat substitute, is famous for its nutritional value along with its ability to blend seamlessly with other flavours. This salad matches perfectly with crunchy breadsticks or even toasted bread. We suggest do not opt for silken tofu, instead opt for the one that comes packed with water.

Image Source: Asian Tofu Salad

Tuscan Tuna Salad

This Mediterranean inspired summer salad requires no cooking and high on taste. The colourful tuna salad makes for a satisfying lunch or dinner and can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. It makes for a perfect summer evening accompaniment when served alongside a pile of greens.

 Image Source: Tuscan Tuna Salad

Southwestern Corn & Black Bean Salad

This colourful black bean and roasted corn salad is zesty, spicy, sweet, crunchy, smoky, packed with proteins and super addictive. It makes for a great take-along cold lunch and tastes even better when eaten as left-overs. This Tex-Mex style fresh corn and black bean salad along with shredded chicken can be served as a dip for chips as well.

Image Source: Southwestern Corn & Black Bean Salad

Shrimp Caesar Salad

This lemony version is perfect for lunch or dinner as the light mayonnaise and lime juice in the dressing considerably lowers the calories. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this skinny salad allows the taste of the shrimp shine through and the fresh flavours and satisfies the tummy.

Image Source: Shrimp Caesar Salad

Romaine Salad with Orange, Feta & Beans

A salad that will leave you full and satiate your hunger pangs has finally arrived. Most prefer to use kidney beans, but other options such as cannellinis or black beans work perfectly to make this salad as a wholesome meal. This salad is all at the same time – crunchy, lemony and delicious.

Image Source: Romaine Salad with Orange, Feta & Beans

Quinoa & Smoked Tofu Salad

The mind blowing combo of smoked tofu with quinoa is usually served on a bed of greens. This protein-packed salad has the best tummy-satisfying ingredients such as whole grains (quinoa), legumes (soy-based tofu) and vegetables. It is simple, delicious and full of good protein.

Image Source: Quinoa & Smoked Tofu Salad

Spring Chicken & Blue Cheese Salad

This healthy chicken salad is full of protein and comes with the bright flavours of tarragon in a creamy blue cheese dressing. While, the vegetables add crunchiness, on the other hand honey adds a dash of sweetness to the salad.

Image Source: Spring Chicken & Blue Cheese Salad

Curried Scallop-Apple Salad

This flavourful and nutritious salad is loved by all. The toasted almonds make the salad crunchy while curry successfully complements the tart apples, sweet dried cranberries and seared scallops. Ensure that you go for ‘dry’ sea scallops as ‘wet’ scallops do not brown properly.

Image Source: Curried Scallop-Apple Salad

Chinese Chicken Salad

This classic lunch salad offers plenty of crunch from the cabbage, peanuts and wonton wrappers. If you want to add little zing to it, we suggest add some crushed red peppers, toasty almonds instead of peanuts and baked wonton wrappers rather than frying them.

Image Source: Chinese Chicken Salad

Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad with Fresh Cilantro 

This refreshing salad can be your perfect accompaniment to your summer picnic or backyard barbecue. Many prefer to make the salad with canned corn but fresh corn should be preferred for best results.

Image Source: Sweet Corn and Tomato Salad with Fresh Cilantro 

So, which one are you planning to indulge in and add to your healthy diet plan for weight loss? Please share your views in the comments below.

Also Read: Top low-calorie summer foods of 2015