Lettuce, tomato and cucumber. That makes a salad. But, it’s pretty boring. And if it’s topped with a creamy dressing, it could be packed with empty calories.

I love salad and often make one for dinner.

Some of my favorite ingredients are . . .

• Romaine hearts (more nutrition than iceberg lettuce)
• Round or plum tomatoes
• Cucumbers (I prefer the English or “gourmet” type)
• Chicken or turkey (white meat has less fat)
• Hard boiled eggs
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chickpeas (garbanzo beans)
• Broccoli (sauteed in olive oil)
• Asparagus (sauteed in olive oil)
• Cauliflower (lightly steamed)
• Snow peas (sauteed in olive oil)
• Baby green peas (frozen and uncooked)
• Scallions and sweet onions
• Red, yellow and green peppers
• Mushrooms
• Black olives (sliced thin)
• Water chestnuts
• Parsley
• Sunflower seeds (plain or quickly sauteed in olive oil)
• Soy bacon bits
• Olive oil (extra virgin and cold pressed)
• Hidden Valley Ranch dressing (just enough to add some zip)

Almost any combination of these salad ingredients makes a healthy, nutritious dinner.