We’ve broken it down to a simple system. Just choose items from each category, toss and you’re ready to enjoy a new, exciting salad every day.
We’ve broken it down to a simple system. Just choose items from each category, toss and you’re ready to enjoy a new, exciting salad every day.
3. Power up with protein. Turn your salad from a side dish to an entrée with lean meat like strips of steak, grilled chicken, cheese (mozzarella, feta, blue cheeses and cheddar all make great additions), tofu, beans like black beans or chickpeas, edamame, seafood (canned tuna, baked salmon) or hard-boiled eggs.
5. Dress it! Try a simple vinaigrette with 2-3 parts oil (vegetable oil, olive oil, avocado oil or whatever your favorite liquid oil is) to 1 part acid such as vinegar (apple cider vinegar, red or white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, rice vinegar or other flavored vinegar) or citrus (lemon, lime or orange juice). Other options to add to your dressing include yogurt, Dijon mustard, maple syrup or honey, minced garlic and fresh or dried herbs.
2. Load on the veggies and fruit. For veggies, think raw, roasted, canned, grilled, pickled or even options like pico de gallo! Some tasty veggie options include cucumbers, snap peas, carrots, bell peppers, green beans, tomatoes, celery, roasted beets, corn kernels, onions, artichokes, broccoli, cauliflower, grilled zucchini, radishes, roasted red peppers, mushrooms, jicama and fennel. For fruits think raw, canned, or dried with options like apples, fresh berries, raisins, cranberries, mandarin oranges, pomegranate seeds and grapes.
4. Add some extras for more crunch and flavor. Croutons, toasted nuts (pecans, almonds, walnuts, pine nuts) or seeds (sunflower, pumpkin) or whole grain tortilla chips add an extra crunch to your salad! Scallions or herbs like dill, basil, mint, cilantro or parsley pump up the flavor, as do ingredients like olives, avocado or hot peppers (banana peppers, pepperoncini, pickled jalapenos). Make your salad extra hearty by adding whole grains like quinoa, barley, farro or rice.
1. Build your base. Start with leafy greens: From iceberg to bagged mixes – they all count! Use a mix for varied texture and flavor. For example, romaine or iceberg have more crunch, while spinach and arugula bring different flavors.
How to Make a Garden Salad
FAQ
What are the 5 basic parts of salad?
When creating a salad what 5 factors should you consider?
What is one of the 5 classifications of salads?
How do you make a salad?
It’s time to actually make salad. Start with washing your greens, vegetables, and fruit in clean, cold water. With lettuce and greens, separate the leaves and rinse and dry using a salad spinner or let drain in a colander. A lot of prepared greens such as bagged baby spinach or spring salad mix are already washed.
How do you prepare a salad in advance?
If you’re preparing a salad in advance (like for lunch the next day), choose a sturdy green, like kale, that won’t wilt in the fridge. Include enough greens to create a solid base, but don’t overload the bowl so much that the other components get lost in a sea of green.
How do you make a side salad?
Here are some thoughts, tips, and directions to help you turn your side salad into the most delicious part of the meal. Make sure your greens are dry. Lay your greens out on a towel to air-dry for a little while. Tear up your greens. Cut them into smaller pieces if they are big. Toss it in a mixing bowl. Add grated vegetables and chopped herbs.
What makes a Good Salad?
It’s also fun, delicious, and nutritious to add toppings to your salad. And then there’s dressing, the ingredient that brings everything together. Greens are the foundation of most salads. Greens typically come in the form of lettuce.