SALADS are great and they’re hardly a stop-gap measure to the main course as they deserve their own spotlight, too. So here’s a question: Have you ever tried a salad at a restaurant, loved it so much, made an attempt to recreate it yet failed? If you have, there’s a big chance you’re not alone in that department.
In the spirit of celebrating National Salad Month, here are some tips you can do at home to make your salad more awesome.
Add a variety of greens
A mixture of greens assures a variety of texture, not to mention flavor. Apart from lettuce, add some other leafy vegetables like kale, arugula and spinach. Include herbs like basil, parsley and mint for that extra kick. Don’t forget to season them with salt and pepper. Also, chop them finely so you can really taste a bunch of different, rich flavors in one spoonful.
Toss in more substance
Think of greens as the base, the foundation that sets the tone for a great salad. But that’s not the only thing that makes a salad taste great. Add substance like chicken, bacon, chips and mushrooms, and fruits like mixed berries. These will make your salad even more flavorful and, given how we eat with our eyes first, it’s more appealing to dig in with this much color and variety in a bowl.
Don’t forget the good fats
Some high-fat food you can incorporate into your salad include cheese, avocados, nuts, chia seeds, fatty fish like salmon and extra virgin olive oil. They’re not only healthy, but they’re also incredibly nutritious. So don’t be scared of them.
Add dressing
The key to dressing is to not overdo it. You can make your own dressing or if you’re feeling lazy, that’s what the grocery is for. You would be surprised how a spoonful can go a long way as long as you toss everything up before you even think about the plating. Yes, presentation is key but a salad that is evenly drizzled with dressing for a more delicious bit is more important.