Contributed by Info Guru Jennifer Andrews

Salads make for a diverse menu option as they can be served as the focus of a light lunch or as an appetizer with a hearty dinner.

Often viewed as a diet food, salads are the epitome of healthy eating when consisting of an abundance of greens and lower-calorie additions. Helpguide.org suggests that a healthy salad should have veggies as the focus with a serving of protein-rich foods and healthy fats for satiation. There are countless ways to make a salad and many have their own unique names such as the Chef’s salad, Greek salad, Chicken salad and French Salad. A French salad refers to a salad typically eaten in France and includes a variety of fresh ingredients. Check out the following top ten French salad ingredients and whip up your own culinary creation today!

10. Mozzarella cheese

The French are well-known for their love of fresh, natural ingredients that are not devoid of fat or flavour. Unlike America or other countries espousing many processed foods, the French savor full-fat foods in moderation and have some of the trimmest waistlines world-wide. Handmade fresh mozzarella cheese is one such full-bodied food that tops the list of French salad ingredients to satisfy your taste buds.

9. Tomatoes

Plump and juicy tomatoes are fresh French salad ingredients that will add a rich, red vibrant hue to an otherwise plain salad. Try pairing red tomatoes with cheese and leafy greens for a simple side dish to a main course meal. Grow your own favorite variety for incomparable flavor and freshness.

8. Walnuts

Nuts are a source of healthy fats that are essential for a healthy body and mind. The French favor walnuts in their salads to add texture and crunch. Alternatively, use walnut oil combined with light vinaigrette to drizzle atop a leafy salad.

7. Foie gras

Although it may sound unappealing, foie gras is among the top French salad ingredients thanks to its rich and robust flavoring. Combine a serving of foie gras terrine, or fatty liver, with greens, shallots and light truffle oil for a filling salad meal.

6. Duck

Meat adds a healthy dose of protein to a salad that aids in satiation and fending off the mid-afternoon munchies. The French enjoy wild game with hearty and rich flavorings such as duck or a ham which are served in small amounts but offer big taste satisfaction.

5. Truffles

In America, truffles usually bring to mind the chocolate candy or a rich dessert. However, in France, truffles actually refer to a group of edible fungi. The Black Diamond Truffle is one of the most popular, flavorful truffles and hails from the Perigold region in France.

4. Greens

The staple of any salad worldwide, leafy greens are among the key French salad ingredients and serves as it’s very foundation. Select from a variety of greens including romaine, round cabbage leaves also known as chou, mesclun or the curly leaved endive.

3. Eggs

The incredible edible egg has a reputation as a super food thanks to its high nutritional value. A complete protein, the egg yolk itself is also comprised of healthy fats and essential minerals such as iron and choline. Dice a hard-boiled egg atop a salad of fresh greens, tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil.

2. Anchovies

The most popular French salad is probably le Salade Nicoise, or the Nicoise Salad, which consists of an abundance of ingredients. Among the lettuces, eggs, green beans, peppers and tomatoes in this salad are anchovies, tiny little fish that are either loved or hated in the foodie world.

1. Seafood

Many French salads would be amiss without the addition of seafood to its bowl of ingredients. The French enjoy their seafood nearly as much as a pat of butter with fresh bread. A seafood salad could consist of many types of fish including salmon, crab, shrimp, scallops served with juicy, red tomatoes.