Goodness in a bowl

Making a salad may sound easy, but the secret is to make a ‘good’ one.

Simple yet delicious: Salad for all.

Think salad and what comes to mind is large quantities of raw vegetables that take forever to eat. But, this is one dish that need not be boring. It lends itself to change at every turn. Here are a few tips that will help you make that perfect salad that everybody loves. Innovate and create in the kitchen, that is what makes for interesting cooking!

Buy green

Accompany your parents when they go shopping for vegetables. Check out the greens. If you are picking up lettuce, make sure they are fresh and crisp not sad and droopy. If it is spinach or any other greens check the colour and the leaves. Salads made with fresh greens are tastier. Try the great variety of greens available in the store or market.

Store safe

Once you get home store the vegetables. Don’t simply put the greens into the vegetable tray. In no time, they will become a soggy mess. Instead, remove excess water. These vegetables were liberally sprinkled with water to keep them fresh. Before putting them into the refrigerator, shake them out, wipe with a paper towel and store in a plastic bag. It might be a good idea to cover the greens with a paper towel and then put them in plastic bags.

Add ons

Besides greens you can also add carrots, tomato, potato (boiled), cucumber, radish, sprouts, beans, beets, toasted nuts, seeds (pumpkin seeds, sesame etc.,) fruit (fresh or dried), cheese, croutons, (you can top it with cheese), egg…there is no limit to the kind of things you can add to your salad to make it appealing.

Look good

The key ingredient to a good salad is the dressing. Make your own salad dressing. There are plenty of recipes that will tell you how to make a simple, yet delicious dressing. So forget the dressings you pick up at the shop, make your own. And with a little trial and error you will discover the yummiest dressing!

Toss it

First, you must remember not to toss the greens with the other vegetables. Toss the greens and layer the bowl. Then toss the veggies and place them on the top. If you toss them all together the greens may get bruised and will not get coated too. If possible, it is better to mix the salad using your hands (clean, of course) to coat the veggies evenly.

Easy said, easy done

Now try out a salad of your own. Mix together whatever you like and then, create your own dressing. Arrange it neatly, even artistically and dish it out at dinner time.