But did you know you can inadvertently turn your smart choice into a fat trap?
The culprit could be your salad dressing. For example, some fat-free dressings take out the fat but add more sugar.
Pointing out one dressing, nutritionist Marda Heuman of Wegman's said "This is eight grams of sugar. That is on the high side, and the sodium is on the high side."
She says look for a dressing with less than 4 grams of added sugar and under 200 milligrams of sodium per serving.
Many times that means skipping fat free.
But also be sure to skip some favorites like ranch or creamy Italian. One brand of ranch had 15 grams of fat, including more than two grams of saturated fat.
If you only use a little, then Marda says - in moderation - it is okay.
But you should look for dressings under 8 grams of fat per serving. So, if you like creamy dressings, it's better to go for the "light option."
Even better are vinaigrettes.
"Vinaigrettes are always a healthier way to go. Lighter, less calories, less fat generally," Marda said.
And if you make your own dressing using olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
"That is the absolutely healthiest way to go- no sugar, no sodium," Marda said.
Plus, olive oil has heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fat.
Still, Marda says the most common trap isn't the dressing itself, it's the serving size
"I call them drowners," she said.
Try not to drown your lettuce. A serving size is equal to about a small shot glass.
Some other tricks: put the salad dressing in the bowl first, or keep it on the side and dip your fork.