How to Build a Perfect Salad in 5 Simple Steps.
I think everyone should know the steps to build the perfect salad. It seems that not so long ago, salad meant a couple of leaves of limp lettuce, a few slices of cucumber and a tomato. Now salad means a mixture of wonderful fresh ingredients and is eaten as an appetizer, side or a main. You might even go a bit trendy and make a warm salad – they’re pretty jzushy, you know! So without further ado, get your pinny on, or your shopping list maker handy because I’m about to embark on letting you know the steps to build the perfect salad.
Base
Naturally, the steps to build the perfect salad begin with the foundation. You might choose pasta, rice, noodles, or grains like couscous or quinoa as your base for a great salad. If you do, the key is to not overcook your chosen carb. No amount of other delicious ingredients is going to make up for soggy pasta, floppy noodles, or gelatinous rice. If you’re going more traditional and using leaves, you have so many choices. If you only want one lettuce, a crunchy one like romaine or iceberg is best. Otherwise, have a mix of soft, soft, and crunchy, or baby leaves.Veggies you don’t have to add vegetables but if you want to ramp up the healthiness of the satiety factor, they’re kind of obligatory. Plus, they add flavor and interest. Mix up shapes and colors as much as you like. Grate carrots, shredded red cabbage, diced bell peppers, finely sliced onions, cube avocado … there are so many options beyond these basics too.
PROTEIN
When it comes to the ways of making a salad for a main meal, protein is a must. You need protein in your diet and it’s totally up to you whether you choose plant-based or animal protein. Hard-boiled eggs, fish, chicken, and cheese are stapled salad proteins, but the choice will depend on how many calories you’re looking for your salad to have (if that is of concern to you), as well as how filling you want it to be.CRUNCH
DRESSING
Dressing a salad is crucial. It’s what brings all those flavors together in a delicious marriage. Again, there’s no end of choice. Make your own or use a bought one. Just don’t drown everything. If you’ve got strong flavors in the salad, use a light complimentary dressing. If you’ve gone more on the bland side, a zingy dressing will lift it. If you’re not eating the salad right away, don’t put the dressing on until you’re ready to serve it.When you know the ways to make a salad that is delicious and full of nutrition, I defy anyone to say salads are boring! The possibilities are only limited by your imagination and creativity. Do you eat enough salads? Do you have a favorite recipe? I’d love to know if you made it up yourself or if it came from a recipe?