If you're building your salad into a full meal, you need some low-fat protein to satiate your appetite. 

Good protein punches include:

Beans in particular are filling and fiber-rich. Per half cup, black beans have 10g fiber, kidney beans have 7.5g and red beans have 4.5g. Generally, as with greens, the darker the bean, the more nutrient-packed. However as the table shows, the garbanzo bean (or chick pea) is an exception with 10g of protein. It also has 8.5g of fiber.

Every construction needs spruces of color - including your salad! By coloring up your salad with some of these nutritious basics you'll also add some satisfying crunch and healthy vitamins and minerals to your meal:

• Cherry tomatoes. These are high in vitamins A & C, and are a good source of potassium and lycopene (the prostate protector).
  
  
• Mushrooms. Get your B-complex vitamins as well as potassium, zinc, phosphorus, folic acid, and antioxidants. Mushrooms also have 3g of fiber per ounce.
  
  
• Bell Peppers. If you're put off by the distinctive taste of green bell peppers, try the milder red bell peppers. They contain three times as much vitamin C as citrus fruit, and are a good source of vitamin B6 and fiber. They're also high in beta-carotene, which the body converts to vitamin A. Beta-carotene acts as an antioxidant and boosts the immune system.
  
  
• Broccoli. This flowering green is packed with vitamin C, beta-carotene, calcium, potassium, iron, and phosphorus; good anti-cancer material!
  
  
• Beets. Include these for a big boost of potassium and folic acid, and to add vitamins A & C, calcium, iron and fiber to your diet.
  
  
• Artichokes. These are an excellent source of fiber and vitamins A & C. They're dense with folic acid and minerals including potassium, magnesium, chromium, calcium, and iron.
  
  
• Cucumbers, radishes, cauliflower, celery, carrots, and onions are among other nutritious goodies to add crunch and color to your culinary creation.