Cars run most efficiently when they get the right fuel. It’s the same with the human body. But according to the U.S. Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, men are eating far less fruit and dark green vegetables than they should. In fact, only about 20% of middle-aged men meet the daily recommendation of two to three-and-a-half cups of vegetables per day.

While a fresh, colorful salad sounds like a great way to fill the gap, many guys turn up their noses at a plateful of “rabbit food.” But with some tasty additions, any salad can become a hearty, healthy meal fit for even the manliest taste buds.

• Add different toppings–there are no limits. For quick and lean protein, top your greens with beef jerky. Smoked cheeses like Gouda or mozzarella add plenty of flavor with the benefits of dairy.

• Keep it simple. Use ingredients that don’t require cooking or too much prep work. This will help you get into the routine of eating salad more often. Use leftover meats and pre-cut lettuce and vegetables to create a simple lunchtime salad.

• Fill a large bowl with greens and vegetables at the beginning of the week to make a ‘master salad’ that you can eat off for the next several days. You can make salad the main meal or a side to your entrée. Keeping salad on hand, ready to assemble and eat, makes it much easier to stay on a healthy track, especially when you really don’t feel like cooking.

This hefty salad is loaded with flank steak– a lean beef cut. It is high in protein and lower in fat making it a healthy salad that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Serves 4.

Combine all ingredients and marinate in a shallow dish from four to 24 hours. Cook on grill or in a pan until it reaches your preferred level of doneness.  

Combine dry ingredients and beer in a blender or medium size bowl. Slowly pour in oil and mix. Serve cold over salad.

Leave the greens behind and get crunching! Most ingredients can be bought already cut, making this an easy weeknight salad with little preparation. For best results, let the salad sit for one to two hours to let full flavor of the dressing set in. Serves 2.

Combine soy sauce, sriracha, vinegar, sugar, garlic and ginger. Slowly mix in sesame oil. Serve cold. Combine all other ingredients and serve.

Transform a hearty Italian sausage sandwich into a healthy salad. Combine all ingredients and serve with your favorite Caesar dressing. Serves 4.

Tip: Buy pre-sliced olives, sundried tomatoes and shredded Parmesan to make for easier preparation.