whats a healthy substitute for croutons

10 Healthy Alternatives to CroutonsRoasted chickpeas. These offer a satisfying crunch and can be seasoned in various ways to mimic the flavor profile of croutons. … Chopped nuts. … Whole grain pita chips. … Seeded crackers. … Parmesan crisps. … Toasted quinoa. … Roasted pumpkin seeds. … Sunflower seeds.

• Roasted chickpeas. These offer a satisfying crunch and can be seasoned in various ways to mimic the flavor profile of croutons. …
• Chopped nuts. …
• Whole grain pita chips. …
• Seeded crackers. …
• Parmesan crisps. …
• Toasted quinoa. …
• Roasted pumpkin seeds. …
• Sunflower seeds.

Assuming you are free of nut-related allergies, crushed, shaved or whole pecans, walnuts or almonds are another quick and easy way to get some protein up in your biz.

Pepitas, anyone? Unlike pumpkin lattes, pumpkin seeds can be enjoyed year round. Hear that crunch? That’s the sound of good fats and protein making their way into your body via your salad. Coming lightly-salted, they are a great savory alternative to croutons.

You add croutons for texture, so why not change things up with these little flavor-packed powerhouses. Cranberries, raisins, cherries—now we’re talking. Save the fresh fruit for one of those acai bowls, or whatever blended beverage you are into these days.

Chickpeas don’t get much respect, but crunchy, roasted chickpeas or any legume in general, are a great addition because they come packed with that thing you could be lacking called protein. Black beans, kidney beans—they all do the trick.

While once you could get away with calling iceberg lettuce, ranch, and the ultimate re-use for stale bread, croutons, a “salad” – these days that would be blasphemy.

Snack Factory’s Pretzel Crisps are the ideal topping to kick your salad up a notch. From garlic parmesan to sesame, endless flavor options leave the playing field wide open. You can even mix multiple flavors if you’re feeling bold. Break the pretzels up before adding them to your salad so they can actually fit on your fork.

Eating a salad always seems like the healthy choice until you pile on the caloric toppings, including croutons and dressing. You can easily replace dressing with lemon juice, a bit of olive oil or balsamic vinegar, but what about nixing those little crunchy cubes we love so much? Forget them, because a) we’re over croutons and b) you can do better with one of these 7 healthier and tastier alternatives.

Available in a wide variety of brands and seasonings, crunchy roasted chickpeas are a very worthy salad topper. From cracked pepper to cinnamon and everything in between, you’ll forget croutons ever existed. This is once again another topping that you can make at home. That way, you can create your own unique flavor that works perfectly with your favorite salad concoction.

I have enjoyed my fair share of DUC salads topped with Goldfish, but I have to attribute this one to memories of ordering the kid’s caesar salad at California Pizza Kitchen, which came topped with cheddar Goldfish. Genius. Try experimenting with the other flavors, like pretzel or plain, depending on the kind of salad you’re making. If you’re feeling like a risk-taker, you could even try the Flavor-Blasted variations. While Goldfish aren’t necessarily healthy, 2/3 cup of cheddar-flavored crackers is 230 calories, and realistically, you’ll only need 1/4 cup max to generously top your salad.

For sweetness, I add dried cranberries to practically every salad I eat, but I’ve recently taken to adding apple chips instead. You can buy them at the store or even make your own in the oven. They provide sweetness, but are also crispy, healthful and give your salad a unique flavor twist.

How to Make Healthy Croutons

FAQ

What kind of croutons are healthy?

Are chickpeas healthier than croutons?

Is snacking on croutons healthy?

Can you use crackers instead of croutons?

What can I substitute for croutons?

S ome of the best replacements for croutons are crispy bacon bits, shiitake mushrooms, smoky toasted coconut, roasted slivered almonds, puffed quinoa croutons, pretzel thins, polenta croutons, roasted chickpeas, zucchini chips, and Parmesan crisps. Suppose you want a healthier alternative to croutons or are trying to avoid gluten.

Is there a good substitute for saffron?

There are a lot of options if you need to substitute saffron and I will just go ahead and list them out. The first option you might like is turmeric, but you could also go with safflower, annatto, marigold flowers, curry, paprika, cardamom, or calendula. The type of substitute will depend on your specific tastes and the dish you are making, so be sure to do some research.

What is a healthier alternative to croutons?

If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to croutons, there are plenty of options out there. Toasted nuts are a delicious and healthy alternative to croutons. They have a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor that pairs well with salads and soups. Toasting nuts also brings out their natural oils, making them more flavorful and aromatic.

Are toasted seeds a good alternative to croutons?

Toasted seeds also have a satisfying crunch that makes them a great alternative to croutons. Toasting the seeds brings out their natural oils and gives them a slightly chewy texture. You can toast them in a dry pan over medium heat, frequently stirring until they’re golden brown.