Salads are healthy, and they do not need to be boring or bland which is thanks to the various options of toppings and sauces available.

You can choose halloumi cheese, chicken breasts, fruits, vegetables and plenty of tasty vinaigrette.

One of the best toppings are nuts which are full of flavor, nutritious, filling and can help make any salad recipe totally satisfying.

However, what are the best nuts for salad? Which nuts should you choose? The truth is, most nuts are great for salads and there are plenty of tasty variations which can suit a particular recipe.

Here are some of the best nuts of salads:

1. Almonds
2. Walnuts
3. Pecans
4. Cashews
5. Pine Nuts
6. Pistachios

How to make a salad taste good?

Most salads you see will consist of leafy greens with a salad dressing which you can buy ready-made in most supermarkets, but the problem is that it will most likely not be filling enough or taste good alone.

This is why adding toppings like fruits, vegetables, meats, cheese or nuts can turn the salad into a main dish which not only tastes good but had nutritional value and will help you to feel full.

Fruits and nuts are great and easy ways to transform any salad into a tasty meal which you can of course meal prep and make-ahead for work.

What are the Healthiest Nuts?

Nuts are typically calorie dense but packed with nutritional value which is why you are advised to use a small servings which is perfect for salads.

The healthiest nuts are usually raw or dry roasted opposed to nuts, however nuts generally have their pros and cons.

Here is a quick breakdown of healthy nuts in their groups:

1. Nuts high in protein: almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews.
2. Nuts high in fats: walnuts, brazil nuts, pine nuts, pistachios.
3. Nuts high in vitamins: almonds, hazelnuts, cashews, walnuts.
4. Nuts low in fat: almonds, cashews.

This list pretty much sums up why answering what the healthiest nuts can be debatable because they will contain different vitamins and minerals as well as fats.

What are the benefits of nuts?

Although nuts are high in calories and may cause a concern when calorie counting, they are very nutritious, healthy and tasty.

As they contain healthy fats, vitamins, fiber and protein, you can benefit from a small serving which is why it’s wise to portion control servings of nuts.

Most nuts are also low in carbohydrates which can be beneficial if you’re on a low-carb diet or just want a low-carb meal.

As a result, adding them to salads is a great and beneficial way of eating a tasty and healthy meal which can be filling and calorie controlled.

The Best Nuts For Salads

In no particular order, here are some of the best nuts for salads. Next time you have a bowl of leafy greens and need an idea for a salad meal prep, choose one of these nuts below and you will have a tasty main course.

1) Almonds

One popular topping for salads are caramelized almonds which are sliced almonds baked with granulated sugar.

However, to keep it super healthy it’s best to use raw almonds which are sliced or chopped to throw on top of a salad.

This can combine well with feta or goat cheese in case you want to turn the salad into a complete main meal.

Almonds are high in magnesium, vitamin E, copper and manganese.

2) Walnuts

Walnuts are perfect for salads and a great example of that is the Waldorf salad recipe which contains apple, celery, grapes, mayonnaise, lettuce and of course walnuts.

Toasted walnuts are ideal because it tastes amazing as it brings up the natural oils and combines well with other ingredients.

There’s plenty of benefits of walnuts which includes healthy fats and can decrease feelings of hunger which is why they are good for salads.

3) Pecans

Pecans are popular, especially candied pecans which smells and tastes amazing.

However, it’s perfectly fine to add raw pecans to salads which is more healthy and is also lower in calories compared to other nut options.

They are crunchy and filling which can be ideal for many salad recipes that goes well with apples. spinach and goats cheese.

There are many benefits to pecans which includes healthy fats that’s good for heart health.

4) Cashews

Cashews are useful for many recipes like creamy sauces, but they are also great for salad toppings because they’re tasty and easy to eat.

In particular, once the cashews are chopped or sliced, they combine well with Thai or Asian salads. They also combine well with apples and cranberries in salads.

5) Pine Nuts

Pine nuts are creamy and buttery which are very popular with salads because they go well with other toppings such as feta, avocado, bell peppers, goats cheese or tomatoes.

They are best served lightly toasted which brings out its flavors which can help make your salad very tasty.

Pine nuts also have many health benefits and contain omega-3 fatty acids.

6) Pistachios

Pistachios might be a surprise choice, but they combine superbly well with avocados or strawberries in salads, or in creamy salads.

Not only do they taste amazing but pistachios are loaded with healthy nutrients and are high in antioxidants.