Move over bowls. Salads are getting their moment in the sun again.
Bright yellow corn grilled over an open flame. Vine-ripened tomatoes, slow-roasted to perfection. There are countless fresh, delicious ways to punch up that ubiquitous summer staple – the salad.
Traditional salads boast a long history. Ancient Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks and Roman feasted on salads that looked much like today’s standard garden salad: mixed greens, radishes, and onions topped with a dressing made from salt, oil, and vinegar. In fact, the word “salad” comes from the Latin word for salt, “sal.”
While salads have certainly evolved over the years, a growing emphasis on vegetable-forward cuisine is causing us to take a second look at salads and how to maximize flavor and innovation with this meal starter.
Read our top ideas to make a seasonal salad pop:
1. Add a crunchy topper.
Adding crunch to a salad gives it that intense bite that so many crave. For some inspiration, try this trick by Savor’s Chef Don: roll pickled red onions in flour or panko and pan fry or deep-fry them, then sprinkle over salads for an exquisite burst of flavor and crunch.
2. Add a flavorful Asian plus-one to a salad, bowl, or stir-fry.
Add some global flavor to your salad with a pinch of heat. Our favorite ideas to try? Marinate a chicken breast in sweet, spicy sriracha, grill, chop, and top your salad, or add a dollop of spicy sambal oelek to your standard dressing.
3. Swap a traditional raw veggie for a roasted one.
Garden salads feature an array of healthful vegetables. But these veggies need not be boring! Try roasted or grilled vegetables to maximize flavor and add interest. Pick a roasted tomato to add a natural sweetness; char-grilled corn adds a smokiness to your meal.
4. Have some fun with your dressing.
Innovative and unexpected dressings can elevate a basic salad into something more. See some unique dressing combinations from Flavor & The Menu or try one of our team’s favorite tricks: sprinkling in a small amount of spicy seasoning to a staple dressing like ranch. Try a chipotle powder or Aleppo pepper flakes.
5. Move over veggies and protein - fruit chunks win the day.
It may not be new, but layering fruit chunks or slices over your salad wins the day every time. Fruit adds a delicate sweetness and complex texture to kickstart a meal – or serves as a healthy and well-rounded main course.
In summertime, try adding sliced strawberries, fresh mango chunks, or roasted pineapple chunks to your salad for a refreshing sweetness. As fall crispness settles in, turn to heavier fruits like red apples, tart cherries and crunchy rhubarb.
