The wrong topping can undermine the healthiest intentions, like bacon bits (real or fake) showered over a fresh salad, or a salt blanket on grilled salmon. But who wants to sacrifice the seasonings and flavors that add so much enjoyment to food? You don't have to.

Healthy "sprinkles" -- a mix of herbs, spices, seeds, and seaweeds -- add a burst of flavor while lending a nutritional boost to meals. Used regularly, even a few dashes on food can add crucial antioxidants and minerals to your diet, notes herbalist Rosemary Gladstar.

Take "zahtar," a traditional Middle Eastern mix (shown on next page). It makes a healthy stand-in for salt, and mixed with olive oil, a sublime dip for pita bread. Other blends combine nutrient-rich herbs to create a welcome enhancement to salads and vinaigrettes.

Our search for tasty, good-for-you toppings went beyond salt and pepper -- and memories of Molly McButter or Mom's hippie popcorn with nutritional yeast. Here are four of our favorites, plus one versatile, do-it-yourself recipe.