{"id":1515053,"date":"2020-07-27T21:34:48","date_gmt":"2020-07-28T02:34:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=1515053"},"modified":"2024-10-07T03:56:28","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T08:56:28","slug":"how-to-make-salad","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/how-to-make-salad\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Make Salad That’s Anything But Boring"},"content":{"rendered":"[dam-video dam-id=\"26412\"]\r\n\r\nEverything you know about how to make salad is getting turned on its head. We'll run through our best salad recipes<\/a>, dressings and salad tips that'll make you think twice about the dish. It's time to say goodbye to sad, wilted lettuce<\/a> and plain bottled dressing and start enjoying your leafy greens. Follow our ultimate guide on how to make salad.\r\nTypes of Salad<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\nOne of the most exciting things about salad is the sheer variety of recipes there are. Just about every cuisine in the world has its own types of salad<\/a> that have made their way into countless cookbooks, restaurant menus and likely even into your lunchbox at once point or another. From leafy to cheesy to coated in Miracle Whip, there are salads recipes that fit every taste.\r\n\r\nThe two main types of salads are:\r\n\r\n \tComposed salads<\/strong>\u2014or if you're feeling fancy, salade compos\u00e9e. <\/em>The ingredients of these salads are arranged on a plate in a thoughtful and deliberate way before serving. Popular composed salads include chef salads<\/a> and\u00a0Cobb salads<\/a>. Even a\u00a0Caprese salad<\/a> could be considered a composed salad with its artful layering of basil, mozzarella and tomato.<\/li>\r\n \tTossed salads <\/strong>are a little more chaotic. Ingredients are tossed together before serving. Classic tossed salads include Caesar salad<\/a> and Italian salad.<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nWhile there are infinite variations of salads, most can be boiled down to three main components:\r\n\r\n \tA base of raw or cooked vegetables, often lettuce<\/li>\r\n \tA dressing<\/li>\r\n \tAn assortment of flavorful toppings<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOf course, there always exceptions to the rule. Fruit salads<\/a> and pasta salads<\/a>, for example, are a popular potluck staple across the country. And many Mediterranean salads, like tabbouleh<\/a>, rely on grains and herbs instead of lettuce. However, with this basic formula, you can make countless combinations of healthy green salads without a recipe. Simply pick a few components and measure the ingredients to your heart's content. The following salad ideas will help get you started.\r\nSalad Ideas<\/h2>\r\nTypes of Lettuce<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\nLettuce or other salad greens are a great base for salads. Different types of lettuce<\/a> have their own subtle flavors and textures that can contribute to your dish.\r\n\r\n \tCrisphead, <\/strong>otherwise known as iceberg lettuce, is one of the most popular lettuce leaves in the United States. It has a very mild taste and it usually takes on the flavor of the salad dressings its paired with.<\/li>\r\n \tRomaine <\/strong>is also known as cos lettuce, is most notably known for its delicious appearance in Caesar salads and pre-made salad kits<\/a>. Romaine lettuce has a bit more flavor than crisphead and it keeps its sturdy shape\u2014even when paired with oil-based vinegarettes or while making a grilled salad<\/a>.<\/li>\r\n \tLoose-leaf<\/strong> has a mild flavor, but its ruffled edges add a playful texture to any simple salad. The most popular loose-leaf varieties are red and green.<\/li>\r\n \tButterhead<\/strong> lettuce comes in two popular varieties: Boston and bibb. It's mild and sweet in flavor and fragile and soft in texture. You'll see this type used in lettuce wraps and light salads.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nApart from lettuce, we also encourage you to use other leafy greens as your salad base. Popular choices include arugula<\/a>, kale<\/a>, endive<\/a> and spinach<\/a>.\r\nTypes of Salad Dressing<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\nWhile you may be familiar with ranch dressing<\/a> or balsamic vinaigrette<\/a>, there are many salad dressings that'll gussy up even the most basic salads. And while we love using bottled dressing as a shortcut, there's really no match to the flavor and brightness that come from homemade salad dressings<\/a>. Here are the two main types:\r\nVinaigrettes<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nA basic vinaigrette<\/a> is made of a 3-to-1 ratio of oil to vinegar, plus herbs and seasonings. Apart from balsamic, Italian<\/a>, lemon<\/a> and strawberry vinaigrette<\/a> are popular choices. They're known for being the \"lighter\" dressing in comparison to cream-based salad dressings. Most vinaigrettes can be used in other recipes as a marinade or glaze.\r\nCream Dressings<\/strong><\/h4>\r\nMade with mayo, cream or buttermilk, creamy salad dressings are a great way to add delicious healthy fats into your salad. They are perfect for rough-and-tough lettuces leaves, like romaine, that can hold and handle a heavier dressing. Some of our favorites are buttermilk ranch<\/a>, blue cheese<\/a> and cilantro dressing<\/a>.\r\n\r\nPsst! <\/em>Don't have time to make from scratch? We tried 11 brands and found the best salad dressing<\/a>.\r\nSalad Topping Ideas<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\nOnce you've chosen your lettuce and salad dressing, it's time to pile on the toppings and really make your salad pop. Mix and match your favorite healthy salad toppings<\/a> to create a dish that's all your own.\r\nProtein<\/h4>\r\nWhether you're a meat-lover, vegan or vegetarian, protein-packed salads<\/a> give you extra energy and nutrients. We recommend adding protein for boosting your metabolism, preserving muscle and even for weight loss<\/a>. Plus, it makes for a much more filling (and tasty!) salad. Popular salad ideas include:\r\n\r\n \tGrilled chicken salad<\/a><\/li>\r\n \tGrilled steak salad<\/a><\/li>\r\n \tGrilled salmon salad<\/a><\/li>\r\n \tGrilled shrimp salad<\/a><\/li>\r\n \tChickpea salad<\/a><\/li>\r\n \tBlack bean salad<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nVeggies<\/h4>\r\nChopped vegetables are one of our favorite salad toppings. Options include asparagus, broccoli, beets, bell pepper, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cucumber, celery, corn, eggplant, onion, peas, radishes and zucchini. These taste great cooked or raw. Also, don't be afraid to add fresh herbs like mint, basil or cilantro for extra brightness.\r\nFruits<\/h4>\r\nSweet and refreshing, fresh fruit can add a punch of flavor to your salad. Plus, they're a welcome ingredient for picky eaters. Try dressing up your salad with apples, avocado, blackberries, blueberries, figs, oranges, mango, pears, plums, pomegranates, raspberries, tomatoes or watermelon.\r\nCarbs<\/h4>\r\nDon't run away from adding carbs like croutons<\/a>, pasta, quinoa, cooked potatoes or rice to your salad. They will keep you full while offering you an extra boost of energy.\r\nNuts and Seeds<\/h4>\r\nAlmonds, cashews, pistachios, pine nuts, pecans, walnuts, sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds all have great health benefits. Plus, they add a nice texture and a satisfying crunch.\r\nOur Best Salad Recipes<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\nIf you're looking for a tried-and-true salad recipe that'll impress the family, we have hundreds ready for you. Try our main course salad dinner recipes<\/a> or take a look through our collection of side salad recipes<\/a> that'll complement any meal.\r\n\r\nAnd we know that finding recipes for any specialized diet can be challenging. These salad recipes will teach you how to make a salad that's healthy\u00a0and\u00a0<\/em>delicious.\r\n\r\n \tIf you're cutting calories, one of these low-calorie salad recipes<\/a> will do the trick. They're all under 300 calories and use fresh produce.<\/li>\r\n \tIf you're on a low-carb diet plan, these keto salad recipes<\/a>\u00a0will satisfy any craving. Make sure you pair them with a keto salad dressing<\/a>, too.<\/li>\r\n \tIf you're a meatless eater, try out these vegetarian salads<\/a> or vegan salad recipes<\/a>. Don't worry, they're far from being bland.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tMore Salad Recipes to Try<\/div>\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t1 \/ 69<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\r\n\r\n[dam-video dam-id=\"31808\"]\r\n\r\n<\/div>\r\nGrilled Peach, Rice & Arugula Salad<\/strong><\/a>\r\nThis hearty salad was created when I needed to clear out some leftovers from the fridge\u2014and it became an instant hit! The grilled peaches are the ultimate \"tastes like summer\" salad booster. \u2014Lauren Wyler, Dripping Springs, Texas\r\nGet Recipe<\/a><\/span>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Flamboyant Flamenco Summer Salad<\/a>I came up with this salad simply by choosing the best-looking vegetables at a local farmers market\u2014the colors are so beautiful! Turn it into a full vegetarian meal by adding roasted garbanzo beans or cooked white beans as protein. \u2014Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, ColoradoGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Asparagus Spinach Salad with Chicken<\/a>We love all the fresh fruits and vegetables that are available in the summer. This salad is one of our favorite because it packs in so much great produce, plus it's quick and easy on a warm summer day. \u2014Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas\r\nGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Grilled Chicken Salad with Blueberry Vinaigrette<\/a>We love adding grilled chicken to our salads in the summer, but the real star here is the vinaigrette made with blueberry preserves and maple syrup. This salad goes great with a fresh baguette and a frosty glass of minted lemonade. \u2014Susan Gauthier, Falmouth, MaineGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Crunchy Lemon-Pesto Garden Salad<\/a>I love using fresh vegetables straight from the garden to prepare this salad. If I pick the squash and cucumbers early enough, their skins are so tender that there's no need to remove them! Best yet, the salad is easily adaptable\u2014any fresh veggie from the garden can be put in with delicious results. \u2014Carmell Childs, Orangeville, UtahGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Kohlrabi, Cucumber and Tomato Salad<\/a>This chilled, refreshing salad is wonderful on hot days. It has a nice crunch and a delicious balance of sweet and spicy flavors. \u2014Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Strawberry Kale Salad<\/a>This fresh, zingy salad is super easy and tastes just like the one I get at Culver's! The sliced strawberries and fresh mint give it an extra-summery feel, and crumbled bacon and toasted almonds add the perfect amount of crunch. \u2014Luanne Asta, Hampton Bays, New YorkGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Zucchini Panzanella Salad<\/a>I learned how to make panzanella from my friend's grandmother. Once I discovered how to make the perfect vinaigrette, it became a dish I crave during the summer. It's also a great way to use day-old bread and your garden's bounty of zucchini. \u2014Felicity Wolf, Kansas City, Missouri\r\n \r\nGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Blood Orange Avocado Salad<\/a>My refreshing side salad is such a nice addition to our calorie-loaded Thanksgiving dinner. Use regular oranges if you can't find blood oranges. Finely chopped walnuts work well in place of the pomegranate seeds, too. \u2014Nancy Heishman, Las Vegas, NevadaGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Bacon Salad<\/a>This bacon salad combines crispy romaine, smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes and creamy avocado, all tied together with a tangy homemade dressing. It's perfect for a light lunch or as a fresh, flavorful side dish.Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Shaved Fennel Salad<\/a>This salad tastes even more impressive than it looks. It has an incredible crunch thanks to the cucumbers, radishes and apples. And the finish of fennel fronds adds just the faintest hint of licorice flavor. \u2014William Milton III, Clemson, South Carolina\r\nGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Curried Quinoa Salad<\/a>Quinoa is such a fantastic salad base\u2014it's full of protein, it adds a nutty flavor, and it's the perfect vehicle to soak up any kind of dressing. If you like a little more heat, add more cayenne or curry to the dressing. \u2014Shannon Dobos, Calgary, Alberta\r\n\r\nGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Color It Ruby Salad<\/a>Just looking at this bright red salad cheers me up\u2014and then I get to taste it! For garnish, sprinkle on fresh chives and mild white cheese. \u2014Lorraine Caland, Shuniah, Ontario Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>White Bean Arugula Salad<\/a>My red, white and green salad is inspired by the Italian flag. Top it with shaved Parmesan. \u2014Malia Estes, Allston, Massachusetts Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Cornbread Salad<\/a>Craving a taste of summer? Whip up this classic southern cornbread salad! Layers of sweet cornbread, creamy dressing, and fresh veggies take sweet and savory to a whole new level.Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Summertime Tomato Salad<\/a>My crazy good salad has cherry tomatoes, squash and blueberries together in one bowl. Then I layer on the flavor with fresh corn, red onion and mint. \u2014Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Light Strawberry-Spinach Salad<\/a>This strawberry-spinach salad makes a wonderful light summer meal. All of the flavors and colors complement one another very nicely. Farmers here in Washington grow a lot of strawberries, and they're the sweetest ones I've ever tasted. I'm always looking for new and different ways to use them. \u2014Perlene Hoekema, Lynden, WashingtonGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Watermelon Tomato Salad<\/a>Watermelon and tomatoes may seem an unlikely pair, but they team up to make a winning combination in this eye-catching salad. \u2014Matthew Denton, Seattle, WashingtonGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Brussels Sprouts & Quinoa Salad<\/a>With Brussels sprouts for the green and cranberries for the red, I make a cheery Christmastime salad. Refreshing and versatile, it works with any kind of nut or dried fruit. \u2014Cameron Stell, Los Angeles, California Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Ramen-Veggie Chicken Salad<\/a>Like a salad with plenty of crunch? Then this refreshing recipe is sure to please. Toasted ramen noodles, almonds and sesame seeds provide the crunchy topping. The chicken makes it a main dish. \u2014Linda Gearhart, Greensboro, North CarolinaGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Spicy Beef Salad<\/a>This recipe was inspired by my love of spicy flavors and light, nutritious entrees. The pretty salad has an appealing variety of textures. I make it year-round because it's fast and easy to prepare after a long day at work. \u2014Peggy Allen, Pasadena, CaliforniaGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\r\n\r\n \t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Black Eyed Pea Salad<\/a>This eye-catching black eyed pea salad is packed with nutrient-dense ingredients for a healthy dish that's ready for weeknights or picnics.Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Authentic German Potato Salad<\/a>The most popular salad at the table? Hot German potato salad with smoky bacon and a sweet-tangy dressing.Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Spinach & Bacon Salad with Peaches<\/a>Peaches and bacon? Oh, yeah. I made this family favorite for a big summer party. It was so easy to prep the parts separately, then toss it all together right before chow time. \u2014Megan Riofski, Frankfort, Illinois Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Balsamic Chicken Pasta Salad<\/a>Kiss bland pasta salad goodbye with this zippy, tangy and sweet balsamic chicken pasta salad. Each bite is crammed full of bacony, cheesy flavor, and the bow ties and chicken will fill you right up.Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Spinach Salad with Tortellini & Roasted Onions<\/a>Spinach and tortellini go so well together, and this salad makes an easy meal with leftover cooked chicken. What really makes it special is the roasted onion that adds oomph to bottled salad dressing. \u2014Robin Haas, Hyde Park, MassachusettsGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Dill Garden Salad<\/a>I love to cut up whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand and toss them with this delicious dressing and fresh dill. This salad shows up on our table regularly during the summer. \u2014Bethany Martin, Lewisburg, Pennsylvania\r\n Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Nectarine Chicken Salad<\/a>When guests are coming for lunch or dinner in the warm summer months, I like to serve this attractive, colorful salad. The dressing is refreshingly tart. A neighbor shared the recipe years ago and I've passed it on many times.Go to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/div>Mexican Roasted Potato Salad<\/a>My husband is the No. 1 fan of this south-of-the-border potato salad. The leftovers make an awesome late-night snack, straight from the fridge. \u2014Elisabeth Larsen, Pleasant Grove, UtahGo to Recipe<\/a><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t