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Salads, which tend to be more wholesome and lighter, become increasingly popular throughout the summer months. If you are looking forward to the warmer weather but aren't really enthusiastic about the traditional summer salads you've been preparing year after year, there is no need for you to worry. Fresh herbs and spices are an easy way to enhance the flavour of your existing salad recipe collection, and you may already have them in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator or growing on the windowsill of your kitchen.
Why Add Herbs and Spices
While salad ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers get most of the attention, herbs and spices can really make your salads stand out. Any salad, from the classic Caesar to the more exotic cucumber-avocado, will benefit from this crisp ingredient. In addition to being a healthy and inexpensive addition to summer salads, many herbs may be cultivated at home. There's no excuse not to toss some into your next dish.
Additions of herbs and spices to salads not only improve their taste, but also their nutritional value. Like other leafy greens, fresh herbs are packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K. The polyphenols found in many of them have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Herbs can be used for a variety of purposes, from aiding digestion to removing bad breath. Herbs have a reputation for being decorative, but their nutritional value much exceeds that. Even dried spices are good for you. Capsaicin, the compound responsible for chilli peppers' characteristic heat, has been linked to numerous health benefits, including those related to the heart, the metabolism, inflammation, and even pain alleviation. (Just don't eat too much of it, because the effects of too many chiles in a dish might be unpleasant)
Quick Tips
Need some inspiration for adding some heat and herby goodness to your next salad? Chopped fresh basil is a welcome bright spot in an otherwise heavy Caesar salad. In general, basil enhances the flavour of salads made with greens, and it goes especially well with spinach.
A classic flavour combination, dill complements the somewhat briny taste of tomato, cucumber, and feta in a salad. Similarly, cilantro may be used in similar blends and is a great addition to most salads that have avocado and lime.
The combination of quinoa, lemon, and parsley in a salad is a winning one. And if you want to add a little spice to your salad, slice up some chilies and toss them in. Grilling them first adds a smoky, spicy flavour, and the charred outside looks great, too.
