What makes a great salad? How do you make them?

Cold bowl
Shredded iceberg lettuce
Halved cherry tomatoes
Crumbled blue cheese
Protein ( I like steak)
Ranch

Sometimes sliced pickles

I also like imitation bacon bits.

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Don't go cheap on the lettuce

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Start here. Go for variety, as well.

Same with raw veggies.

Then you have your mix-ins:
Artichoke hearts
pepporncini
olives
beans/peas
nuts
fruit

Then your toppings:
cheeses (to almost always include parm)
croutons
bacon

Finally, dressing:
vinaigrette, usually

finish with crushed black pepper.

For me it's hard to be a classic wedge salad.

Iceberg, bacon, red onion, tomato and good blue cheese dressing.

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iceberg in wedge form

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I prefer this, but have no idea how to thoroughly wash it.

I like to add some jalapenos.

quality and fresh ingredients are essential. I sometimes put sliced almonds, sesame seeds, or walnuts in a skillet over med/hi heat to release the oils and give them a roasted flavor. Game changer in a salad.

Simple salad dressing:
equal amounts honey, apple cider vinegar, vegetable oil. Add to a Mason jar and shake. OK to leave out or store in fridge.

My cousin sent us some Mango Honey from CA and that shite is the real deal, best honey I've ever had

Romaine
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Mushrooms
Protein (chicken, pork, beef, seafood)
Kalamata and green olives
Jalapenos or pepperoncini
Feta or parmesan cheese
Will throw in broccoli or even roasted Brussels sprouts if we have them

I need texture variety. I need acid. I need something creamy, something spicy, something salty, and bonus points if there is something a little sweet. If I’m using spring greens, which don’t have enough crunch, there better be some kind of crouton (LC), or cheese crisp, or I might add iceberg or romaine.

When I make my own, I try to season every layer, even, or especially the salad greens. No tomato goes unsalted and peppered.

Raw onion, preferably red, but green or any will do in a pinch.

Some kind of seed or nut. Sunflower, pecan, pine nuts, walnuts.

Protein, shrimp, chicken, shrimp and bacon, steak, varies.

Cherry or grape tomatoes if not tomato season, I don’t need many, but some.

Cheese, but not absolutely necessary for all salads. Gorgonzola, blue, Parmesan, other shredded cheese.

Dressing varies by mood, situation, availability. Sometimes just mayo.

Avocado, cucumbers, pepperoni, raw mushrooms, carrots, sprouts or micro greens, all are good for some salads, but not every salad.

Blackberries, blueberries, strawberries … all good options for sweetness. I don’t have sweet in every salad.

To ensure crisp lettuce, cut and wash the lettuce 20-30 minutes prior to assembling the salad and place it in the refrigerator. This allows the leaves to absorb water, making them crunchy and cold.

Get a salad spinner. OXO makes a good one.



Season your lettuce.Just before you add anyting to the salad, sprinkle a good bit of salt and pepper over the lettuce and toss to mix. This will enhance the overall flavor of your salad.

I eat really simple salads. Usually a combo of iceberg and romaine, cucumbers, red onion, red bell pepper, lemon juice and olive oil. It's not very complicated but it tastes fresh and clean.