One of the best things about salads is that there are so many different ways to make them. I love going to a restaurant with a great salad bar, because I always get ideas for new things to try in salad creations.

As a child, I thought all salads consisted of iceberg lettuce, shredded carrots, tomatoes, croutons, and thousand island dressing. I still enjoy these types of salads, but am very glad that I am now aware that there are as many ways to make salads as there are vegetables, toppings, and dressings!

I have to admit that I love using the pre-chopped, pre-sorted salad in a bag products. I like these items because I like to mix together several different types of lettuce in a single salad, along with baby spinach. I'm the only salad eater in my house, and I usually end up with a lot of waste if I purchase enough individual heads of lettuce to get the variety I prefer.

My two favorite homemade salad recipes are taco salad and a general green salad with veggies and other toppings.

Homemade Taco Salad Recipe

I spread a mixture of chopped romaine and iceberg lettuce on a plate, spoon on a generous helping of homemade chili, and then sprinkle shredded cheddar of the top. I top the cheese with diced fresh tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream. This recipe is easy, delicious, and healthy!

My Favorite Green Salad Recipe

To make a green salad, I mix together whatever types of lettuce and/or baby spinach that I have on hand. I prefer a combination of romaine and iceberg lettuces, spring mix, and baby spinach. I like this mixture so much that I could (and often have) eat it by itself, with just a little bit of ranch dressing.

However, it's even better with toppings! My favorite green salad toppings include:

• Diced tomatoes
• Diced cucumbers
• Sliced red onions
• Sliced bell pepper
• Sliced fresh mushrooms
• Garbanzo beans (also known as cannelini beans)
• Sunflower seeds
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded Parmesan cheese
• Squares of jalapeno cheese

Of course, I don't use all of these every time I make a salad. If you see me at a super salad bar, though, you'll probably see a salad overflowing with every one of these ingredients, and probably even a few others!