Best Salad Ever (My Most Requested Salad Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

What are 5 components of a satisfying salad? ›

Adding protein and fat to the salad helps your body digest the carbohydrates more slowly and give you a steady stream of energy. Protein also provides a feeling of fullness that you won't get from vegetables alone.

A typical salad starts with raw greens, such as lettuce, spinach, kale, mixed greens or arugula. However, you can also add several other raw vegetables. Some popular raw veggie toppings include chopped carrots, onions, cucumbers, celery, mushrooms and broccoli.

A salad is bland and boring without some crunch. You obviously get a little bit of crunch from the greens, but it should not stop there. Add some crunchy veggies and/or fruit, such as carrots, apples, cucumbers, jicama, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. Use whatever sounds good.

The Keys to Crisp Lettuce

Lettuce actually needs a good amount of airflow, in addition to a bit of moisture (but not too much!), in order to stay crisp. That's why restaurants store their lettuce in special perforated bins that allow for air circulation while it's held in the fridge.

Season your greens

A good salad is always well-seasoned, and this shouldn't stop at the dressing. Most home cooks may not know this, but the way that chefs in restaurants get you to spend money on a salad you could easily make at home is by seasoning the greens.

Dried Cherries, Cranberries or Raisins: Add these dried fruits for their flavor and texture. They are also quick easy to add with no preparation required! Basil, Chives, Dill or Parsley: Toss small basil leaves or chopped larger ones in with your greens. Try chopped fresh dill.

When it comes to leafy greens, darker is better. They have the most nutrients. Case in point: Kale and spinach have over 10 times more immune-boosting vitamins A and C than iceberg lettuce.

What to put in a good salad? ›

It's time to mix up your salad toppings for some textural and flavor variety! Toppings like tortilla strips, croutons and nuts offer a pleasant crunch, while creamy, salty cheeses add unique flavor. Of course, meats, beans and tofu add a protein boost, and berries and dried fruits lend a touch of sweetness.

The basic parts of a salad are the base, the body, the garnish, and the dressing. The five basic types of salad are green salads (tossed or composed), bound, vegetable, fruit, and combination.

It emphasizes that quality ingredients, eye appeal, simplicity, neatness, and contrasting colors are important.

Other salad ingredients

Other common ingredients that you can add to your base of salad leaves are: Cucumber, tomato, radish, carrot, beetroot, peppers, cabbage, sweetcorn, onion, olives, celery and avocado.