Summertime is Salad Time! Here are some tips for making a delicious salad:
First, buy the freshest greens you can find and buy a variety to add interesting tastes and textures. Farmers Markets are a great source for greens this time of year.
Store your salad greens correctly. Remove any excess water from the greens when you bring them home. Head lettuces can be shaken out, wrapped in paper towel, and stored in a plastic bag. Loose greens can be put through a salad spinner or wrapped in a kitchen towel and shaken. Storing all greens in a plastic bag with a paper towel in the crisper keeps them fresh longer.
Make homemade dressing if possible. Many take five minutes or less to make and do not contain preservatives. Spend Smart. Eat Smart. has a wonderful video and some dressing recipes.
Use your hands to toss the salad to prevent bruising and crushing tender greens.
Toss vegetables separately and place on top of tossed greens. This prevents them from ending up on the bottom of the salad bowl where they may or may not get coated with dressing very well.
If you prepare your favorite protein to add to the salad you have a quick and easy Summertime meal!
