What is the oddest thing you’ve ever eaten in a salad?
From marshmallows to meatballs, beef jerky and hotdogs — a new poll has uncovered how Americans are expressing their creative taste buds when it comes to salad toppings.
A poll of 2,000 U.S. adults revealed the strangest salad toppings people have used, with answers including a banana, some peanut butter, peppermint herbs and popcorn. Other quirky toppings are corn, walnuts, and many types of fruit.
Beyond topping oddities, most people point to the classics when asked to name their favorite ingredients. Best toppings include cheese (42%), tomatoes (37%), bacon (30%), croutons (28%) and cucumbers (27%).
What the “perfect” salad looks like
The top three favorite salad dressings are ranch (50%), Italian (30%) and Caesar (25%)—but for 61%, the real main event in a salad is the greens.
The top 5 greens were diverse, with the three favorites being romaine, spinach, and iceberg (though should iceberg really be categorized as a green?) Spring mix was also in the mix, preferred by 30%.
Commissioned by BrightFarms and conducted by OnePoll in celebration of National Salad Month, the study found salads are most enticing depending on their dressing (56%), quality of lettuce (42%), toppings (40%) and the harmony of different flavors (20%).
“If it’s done correctly, a salad can be a perfect meal that combines satisfying flavors, textures, and beautiful colors,” said Jessica Soare, Senior Director of Marketing at BrightFarms.
Results also found that 78 percent of respondents eat at least two salads per week, but nearly half said they’re more likely to eat salads while dining out—praising restaurants for being more creative with ingredients (43%), tasting better because someone else prepares it (34%) and because it takes too much time to prepare salads at home (26%).
“Everyone deserves a fresh salad that makes them feel satisfied about their choices,” concluded Soare.
Do you have any weird salad favorites? Post them in the comments on Social Media…