Everyone says that salads are so healthy, but, ugh, they’re never as amazing as I want them to be. But now I have found the reason — well actually several reasons. Firstly, you need to salt your salad. Do not depend on the dressing to do this for you. When you add in tomatoes and cucumbers, make sure they are especially salted. Next, add some flavour, like jalapenos and lime juice. Throw in herbs. My favourites are cilantro and basil. I hate parsley, but if you’re into it, then chop some up and toss it in. Now add in some yummy cheese, like flavoured goat cheese, feta, or freshly grated parmesan. (Don’t buy the pre-shredded stuff.)
And finally, this is the riskiest of them all: forget the leaves. We all know romain and iceberg have no flavour, but I think we can forget even kale and spinach too. Add in more fresh veggies like avocado, bell peppers, even grilled goods like broccoli and asparagus. Toss in chickpeas or black beans instead of plain old chicken breast; it’s cheaper too.
If you step up your salads like this, then treat yourself and buy a premade dressing. Go for the unique ones instead of the typical bottles like ranch and Thousand Island. Superstore has some unique dressings under their President’s Choice brand. I recommend some of those.
Here’s my version of a perfect salad:
Ingredients:
- 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 English cucumber, sliced and cut in quarters
- 1/3 red onion, diced
- 1/2 feta
- Half bunch of cilantro, chopped with tender stems included
- Juice from half a lime
- President’s Choice Avocado with Green Onion and Cilantro salad dressing
- Salt and pepper
Method:
- Toss it all together, adjust everything to your liking, and enjoy!
Image: Carissa Wiens
