Lisa’s Rules for a Perfect Salad
Step 1. Use fresh, local or organic produce
whenever possible
Step 2. Don’t add too many ingredients.
Keep it simple. My general rule of thumb is to have no more than 3-4 ingredients plus fresh herbs. For instance you can add cucumber, black olives, red onion, pumpkin seeds and dill. Use this salad as a base to your meal. Then add any extras on top if you like, such as organic chicken, meat, fish, eggs, grain or roasted sweet potato to round out your meal.
Step 3. Never overdress and use homemade dressing
I’ve learned to let ingredients shine on their own, which is why one of my biggest pet peeves are overly-seasoned salads that don’t let you taste the ingredients. I recommend tasting the salad before you dress or season it and add dressing slowly. Try making a basic vinaigrette. Or in the mood for something creamier? You’ll love this homemade creamy dressing. Homemade dressings are free of added sugars, chemicals and preservatives and taste so much better.
Step 4. Balance crunch and creaminess
My secret to perfect texture? Having enough crunch and creaminess. My go-to creamy ingredient is avocado and then I make sure I have something with crunch to compliment it, like radishes, roasted chick peas, pumpkin seeds or hemp seeds.
Remember that a little creamy goes a long way. If you’re already using a creamy dressing, there’s no need to add feta cheese or shredded cheddar-style goat cheese.
At the end of the day, your salad is yours and yours alone. Follow your tastebuds.
I prefer greens over grains and romaine over mesclun. My favorite cheese is goat and my favorite dressing is a date vinaigrette. Your preferred flavors and textures may be totally different. Get to know your preferences and then look for combos that tap into what you love. Experiment and have fun.
You might even know more than you think!
Have more questions? Learn more by doing a FREE 30-MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION with me.
xoxo
