Healthy Lunch Ideas With Salmon And Olive Salad

Salads, particularly those that contain a good source of protein like salmon, are more versatile than you might think. Though traditionally eaten as a side dish, salads can combined with other foods to create a healthy and tasty lunch that can even be packed to go. Salmon provides protein and healthy fats like omega-3s; the flavor of olives, meanwhile, can balance the fishy taste of salmon.

Wraps

Start with a whole-wheat wrap for the most nutritious version because it provides more protein, fiber and vitamins than a wrap made from white flour. Add a layer of lettuce --- the darker the color the better. Place 3/4 cup of salmon and olive salad on top of the lettuce. Add any other sliced vegetables you desire, like tomatoes, cucumbers, sprouts or peppers. Begin rolling the wrap from the bottom, folding the sides in as you go.

Pasta Salad

Cold pasta salads are a great idea for lunch, particularly if you need to pack a lunch for work or school. Choose a whole-grain pasta like penne or rotini and cook ahead of time according to the directions on the package. Once it is cooled, measure out 3/4 cup of pasta and mix it with 3/4 cup salmon and olive salad. Add in other grated or chopped veggies like carrots, zucchini, squash and spinach. Mix together. If the pasta salad seems dry, add a drizzle of olive oil. Season with freshly ground pepper.

Salad trio

Spice up a simple green salad by adding three of your favorite dishes on top. Start with a bed of mixed greens and add chopped veggies like carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers. Add a 1/4 cup of salmon and olive salad on top; do not mix. Choose two more protein- or grain-based dishes like cumin-spiced quinoa with dried fruit, bulgur with grilled veggies or chopped egg salad; add 1/4 cup of each. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar to allow the flavors of each salad to remain unchanged.

No Fuss with Crackers

Protein-based salads go great on sandwiches and beds of lettuce, but they also pair simply with crackers or veggies to dip. Place a 3/4-cup serving of salmon and olive salad on a plate and surround with your favorite healthy dipping vehicles. Whole-grain crackers, whole-wheat pita wedges, baby carrots, strips of pepper and cucumber rounds are all options. Use them to scoop up some of the salad for a no-fuss lunch option.