How to build a balanced, satisfying salad

A salad bowl filled with healthy greens, avocado, shrimp and sliced oranges.

Follow this simple step-by-step guide to create a healthful, balanced, and delicious salad every time! Please note, if you have diabetes, it’s important to be mindful of the total carbohydrate content of your meal in order to best manage your blood sugar and keep it in a healthy range.

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You'll also want to top your salad with a delicious dressing to bring it all together. Here are some flavorful and nutritious ideas:

Ranch dressing in a small glass jar with a small whisk and a bowl with salad in the background.
Greek yogurt ranch dressing
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Serving Size 2 Tbsp

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Ingredients

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Preparation

  1. Combine all ingredients and whisk together until smooth.

Nutrition

(per serving)
  • 23 Calories
  • 1g Total Fat
  • 0g Saturated Fat
  • 18mg Sodium
  • 4mg Cholesterol
  • 2g Total Carbs
  • 0g Fiber
  • 1g Sugars
  • 3g Protein
  • 4mg Potassium
Jar of balsamic dressing next to cloves of garlic, mustard seeds and lettuce leaves.
Balsamic dressing
Prep Time 3 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Serving Size 2 Tbsp

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Ingredients

This link exits Teladoc Health's website. Instacart has its own privacy policies and terms.

Preparation

  1. Combine all ingredients and whisk together until smooth.

Nutrition

(per serving)
  • 84 Calories
  • 9g Total Fat
  • 1g Saturated Fat
  • 47mg Sodium
  • 0mg Cholesterol
  • 1g Total Carbs
  • 0g Fiber
  • 0g Sugars
  • 0g Protein
  • 1mg Potassium
Creamy green avocado dressing with herbs in a small jar next to cilantro and lime wedges.
Avocado lime dressing
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Serving Size 2 Tbsp

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Ingredients

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Preparation

  1. Place all ingredients in food processor and pulse until smooth.

Nutrition

(per serving)
  • 112 Calories
  • 10g Total Fat
  • 2g Saturated Fat
  • 11mg Sodium
  • 2mg Cholesterol
  • 4g Total Carbs
  • 2g Fiber
  • 1g Sugars
  • 2g Protein
  • 122mg Potassium
Ginger dressing with oil on top in a small jar.
Sesame ginger dressing
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Serving Size 2 Tbsp

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Ingredients

This link exits Teladoc Health's website. Instacart has its own privacy policies and terms.

Preparation

  1. Combine all ingredients and whisk together until smooth.

Nutrition

(per serving)
  • 34 Calories
  • 3g Total Fat
  • 1g Saturated Fat
  • 72mg Sodium
  • 0mg Cholesterol
  • 1g Total Carbs
  • 0g Fiber
  • 0g Sugars
  • 0g Protein
  • 4mg Potassium

Salads are a great way to eat a healthy lunch or dinner at home. But what about meal planning services? See which one could be the right one for you. 

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This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.