Salads definitely aren’t the most exciting meal in the world—especially when there’s cauliflower wings, meat-like burgers, and vegan Nutella at your fingertips. One thing they are great for, though? Helping you load up on all the veggies you need throughout the day, and Ellie Bullen has the only tricks you need to make sure your bowl is anything but boring.
It only takes one quick scroll through her beloved Instagram account, Elsa’s Wholesome Life, to see that she’s completely mastered the art of creating delicious plant-based goodies—bright and colorful salads, included. Here’s how to get your greens Bullen-style.
1. Add Avocado for Creaminess
One simple way to make your salad super-satisfying is by tossing in one of your favorite healthy fats. Because let’s be real: everything is better when you include avocados. “It makes it rich and creamy,” she wrote.
2. Give Your Greens a Makeover
Instead of filling your bowl with plain ol’ greens straight out of the refrigerator, Bullen suggests preparing them a little differently to change up the taste and texture. And her go-to? Mixing finely-shredded kale that’s been “very lightly sautéed” with romaine lettuce.
3. Mix Up Your Protein Source
Even the biggest tofu lovers can admit it gets a little old when you eat it every single day. (Sorry, tofu—please forgive me. But it’s the truth.) To beat boredom, Bullen recommends mixing up your source of plant protein. “I’ve been loving chickpeas baked in spices and tempeh marinated in coconut aminos,” she says.
4. Get Creative With Your Veggies
Instead of adding in typical salad veggies—like carrots, radishes, and cucumber—Bullen recommends including heartier options like baked pumpkin and sweet potato. Not only will you love the change in flavor, but it’ll also make the meal feel all sorts of warm and cozy. Something salads certainly aren’t normally described as.
5. DIY Your Dressing
There are plenty of healthy vegan store-bought salad dressings to choose from, but nothing is going to beat an option you whip up yourself. “Pimp out your salad with a delicious homemade dressing, like creamy cashew Caesar,” she says. It’s easy, too: You only need a handful of ingredients and a blender.
After using these tips, you’ll never call salads boring ever again.