The Hidden Complexities of Salad

These days’ the word salad congers up thoughts of ceasar and garden varieties, mainly due to the visibility and popularity of these two types typically found in restaurants. A salad, at its basic level, is a group of fruit, vegetables and meat chopped, tossed and served. There are also a wide variety of other salad types, pasta salad as an example. Within the garden options there are numerous ways to customize the taste and texture. Lettuce, greens, vegetables and what seems like an endless array of dressings can offer a home cook a headache when trying to decide upon which one to choose.

The options within the base of a salad, the lettuce or greens, there are countless options. A basic guideline to follow would be spinach or boston lettuce for a lighter salad, arrugala or kale for a more rustic, heavier while still retaining the garden feel. There are also those varieties most people are familiar with which include iceburg and romaine varieties. While lettuce and other green options offer there own base to salads, this remains the initial building block for your house salad.

The vegetable, fruit, meat and dressing options add flavour, texture and colour to a salad. Tomatoes, peppers, onion, cucumber, apples and berries all bring their own little something to a specially crafted salad. Dressings are the major flavour component of any salad. Creamy or vinegarette, sweet or savory, spicy or cool…there are and endless array of options when deciding upon which one to choose. For a homemade vinegarette a general guideline is three parts oil to one part vinegar or acid. One home crafted option that stands out for us is a simple vinegarette that works well with garden salads. This dressing, like most, can be made just before serving but is best made a day in advance to allow the flavours to infuse the oil.

¾ cup olive oil
¼ cup vinegar
2 Tbsp. basil
1 ½ tbsp. oregano
1tsp garlic powder
1 ½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp. each of chilli flakes, sugar and salt

While there are some simple options, salads as a whole are a mix of complexity hiding in what appears to be quite basic. Each element of a salad adds a new level of flavour and texture. A possible reason for this is how how long salads have been a part of our diet. Ever since we could gather salads of some kind have been prepared. Whether at a restaurant, a family gathering or with a circle of friends, hosting a dinner party of your own take the time to notice if not appreciate the variety of those goods selected.

Happy Eating and enjoy!