Salads are good for health and have been a part of human culinary traditions for centuries. In various parts of the world, there are different types of salad, from fresh Mediterranean flavours of Greek salad to spicy papaya salad in Thailand. Every salad has different ingredients and a distinctive flavour profile, but to make a perfect salad bowl at home, you need to keep some things in mind.
Even though salads have been around for a long time and lots of people love them, making a really good one can be tricky. It's not just about mixing some veggies together and being done with it. You need to know what ingredients go well together, how to make the dressings, how they taste, and how to present them well.
The 7 Tips To Master the Art Of Making Salad
Here are a few tips to make a delicious salad bowl:
Choose A Big Bowl
The bowl plays a major role in the making of salads, as all the ingredients go into one utensil for blending. Hence, make sure you are opting for a larger bowl than the amount of salad you are planning to make. This step is crucial to tossing all your ingredients perfectly to create a harmonious blend of texture and taste through uniform blending. Overcrowding of ingredients in the bowl will lead to spillage and ultimately waste of food.
Wash And Cut Ingredients Properly
While you are working with fresh produce and consuming it raw, you should be careful, as there can be insects. Hence, before adding them to your bowl, you have to make sure that they are washed and cleaned properly. Later, cut them uniformly to ensure an even distribution of flavours and textures. Also, don’t forget to remove any bruised or wilted parts to maintain freshness. The size and shape of each ingredient are also important for the visual appeal and ease of eating.
Add Protein
Salad is usually all about greens but to make it more nutritional and filling, protein is important. You can add lean proteins to make your salads rich in protein yet light and healthy. Proteins like tofu, chicken, eggs, turkey, chickpeas, and paneer can be a great and delicious addition to your salad bowl. If you are planning to have salad for lunch or dinner, then adding protein is a must to balance out the daily protein intake.
Load Up On Vegetables
For the perfect salad, load up on a vibrant assortment of vegetables. Aim for a colourful mix of leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula, complemented by crunchy veggies such as cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots. Incorporate nutrient-rich additions like tomatoes, broccoli, and radishes for extra flavour and health benefits. Don't forget to experiment with unique options like roasted beets or grilled zucchini to add depth to your salad.
Make Your Own Dressing
Dressings are very crucial to salad, as having salad alone can be bland and boring; hence, to give it a flavourful twist, dressings are important. Purchasing bottled dressing might be easier but it is best to avoid it as it contains artificial flavours and preservatives. Hence, with time, you should make a delicious dressing at home with ingredients according to your preference and store it in the refrigerator for a longer time.
Add Crunchy Elements
Adding crunchy elements can elevate your salad from ordinary to extraordinary. Consider tossing in toasted nuts or seeds for a satisfying crunch. Crisp vegetables like cucumbers, radishes, or bell peppers also add delightful texture. Croutons or crispy bacon bits can provide a savoury crunch. The contrast of textures not only enhances the eating experience but also adds depth to the flavours.
Add Some Spicy Kick
Some zesty and spicy kick in the salad bowl is essential to keep the delicious flavour profile interesting. You can consider tossing some sliced jalapenos, mustard, or crushed red chilli flakes for a fiery kick. However, make sure the amount you add to the salad balances out and suits the spice capabilities of the people you’ll be sharing it with.