Bored of the same old salads? It’s time to give your greens a gourmet upgrade with these twelve hidden gems from ALDI. Not only are these ingredients affordable and delicious, but they also bring a variety of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits that can transform any ordinary salad into an extraordinary dish.
Here’s a rundown of each ingredient to inspire your next salad creation:
1. Smoked Salmon $4.99/8 oz.
Smoked salmon adds a touch of luxury with its delicate, smoky flavor, perfect for pairing with creamy cheeses and crisp greens.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 120
- Fats: 5g
- Carbs: 0g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 17g
Ingredients:
Salmon, salt, smoke.
Preparation Instructions:
Flake the salmon over your salad, or lay strips atop for a hearty touch.
2. Fresh Mozzarella Pearls $2.49/8 oz.
Enjoy the mild, creamy taste of fresh mozzarella in cute, bite-sized pearls that melt into your salad seamlessly.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 70
- Fats: 5g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 5g
Ingredients:
Pasteurized milk, vinegar, enzymes, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Scatter pearls over salads for a soft, creamy texture.
3. Dried Cherries $3.29 /5 oz.
Bring a touch of tart sweetness to your salad with these chewy dried cherries, perfect for balancing rich cheeses and nuts.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 130
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 32g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 24g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Cherries, sugar, sunflower oil.
Preparation Instructions:
Mix into salads as is, or plump up by soaking in warm water for a few minutes before adding.
4. Sunflower Seeds $1.99 per 6 oz.
Add a nutty crunch to your salads with these roasted sunflower seeds, a great complement to creamy and crisp ingredients alike.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 190
- Fats: 16g
- Carbs: 7g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Dietary fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients:
Sunflower seeds, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Sprinkle over salad for added texture and flavor.
5. Goat Cheese Crumbles $2.99/4 oz.
Elevate your salad with the creamy, tangy kick of goat cheese crumbles, which melt beautifully into warm ingredients.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 100
- Fats: 8g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Dietary fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients:
Goat milk, salt, cheese cultures, enzymes.
Preparation Instructions:
Toss with greens or sprinkle over hot roasted veggies.
6. Pickled Beets $1.89/16 oz.
These tangy and sweet pickled beets cut through the richness of salads and add a vibrant splash of color.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 110
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 26g
- Sodium: 260mg
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 24g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Beets, water, sugar, vinegar.
Preparation Instructions:
Slice or chop and mix into your salad directly from the jar.
7. Edamame $1.79/12 oz.
Boost your protein intake with these mildly nutty, crunchy edamame beans, perfect for adding substance to any salad.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 120
- Fats: 5g
- Carbs: 9g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Dietary fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 11g
Ingredients:
Edamame (soybeans), salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Thaw or steam, then toss into salads for a refreshing crunch.
8. Feta-Stuffed Olives $3.49/6 oz.
Add a briny, creamy burst of flavor with these feta-stuffed olives, a stellar match for Mediterranean-inspired salads.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 150
- Fats: 15g
- Carbs: 1g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Olives, feta cheese (pasteurized milk, salt, enzymes), water, salt, vinegar.
Preparation Instructions:
Slice in half or serve whole as a flavorful salad mix-in.
9. Pomegranate Arils $2.99/4 oz.
Sprinkle these juicy, tart arils over your salad for a burst of color and a refreshing crunch.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 72
- Fats: 1g
- Carbs: 16g
- Sodium: 3mg
- Dietary fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 12g
- Protein: 1.5g
Ingredients:
Pomegranate seeds.
Preparation Instructions:
Use as a garnish for a fresh, juicy crunch.
10. Artichoke Hearts $2.49/14 oz.
These tender, mildly tangy artichoke hearts are perfect for adding a rich depth to any salad, absorbing dressings beautifully.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 60
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 10g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Dietary fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Ingredients:
Artichoke hearts, water, salt, citric acid.
Preparation Instructions:
Slice into smaller pieces or use whole for a more rustic feel.
11. Marcona Almonds $4.99/6 oz.
Treat your palate to the rich, buttery texture of Marcona almonds, which pair splendidly with Mediterranean flavors.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 170
- Fats: 14g
- Carbs: 6g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Dietary fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 6g
Ingredients:
Marcona almonds, salt.
Preparation Instructions:
Toss in whole or chopped for a luxurious crunch.
12. Roasted Red Peppers $1.89/12 oz.
Infuse your salads with a smoky, sweet flavor and vibrant color with these tender roasted red peppers.
Nutritional Facts:
- Calories per serving: 25
- Fats: 0g
- Carbs: 5g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Dietary fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 1g
Ingredients:
Red peppers, water, salt, citric acid.
Preparation Instructions:
Slice or chop into your salad for a gourmet touch.
Final Say
With these diverse and delicious options from ALDI, you can enjoy salads that are not only healthy but also packed with flavors and textures that delight the palate. Try mixing and matching these ingredients for endless tasty combinations!
