If your salad is making you sad, make sure to read on – we’re here to save you from soggy, wilted salads, so you can enjoy lighter lunches in the warmer weather or just feel a bit healthier by adding some to your plate without having to endure terrible greens!
Store it properly
One way you can guarantee a crunchy, fresh tasting salad is by storing the components correctly. Whether it is lettuce leaves or cucumbers, once the packaging has been opened, make sure to put a sheet of kitchen towel in with them to absorb moisture and stop those leaves from going slimy.
Most fridges have a salad draw, so make sure to store all your salad items in there for a couple of days and only wash them when you’re ready to use them – excess moisture is one of the reasons why it wilts. Once washed, dry them by patting them gently with a piece of kitchen towel – it’ll make it taste refreshing without being too wet on the plate.
Starting to go brown? Don’t just throw it away!
Sometimes you can revive wilted leaves and make your salad go further. Make sure to get rid of anything that is brown or slimy, the rest can still be eaten and will still taste fresh. Put the remaining leaves in a bowl of iced water for up to an hour before eating, it will help rehydrate the leaves, just make sure to drain and dry them before you eat and don’t add any dressing until you’re ready to go.
What salad should you use?
Salads can actually be very versatile, depending on what you use you, different leaves and salad veg can add flavour, texture and freshness to just about every meal you can think of. It is very easy to get stuck in a rut though and just use the same old lettuce leaves each time. Also, you need to partner your veg properly to really make the most out of the different flavours. Crispy leaves work well with softer items like tomatoes and strong dressings, while softer ones work better with big flavours. You can also avoid a salad going soggy in the preparation by only putting the dressing on just before serving.
Salad can be so much more!
Have you ever spotted “grilled lettuce” on a menu? Well, did you know you can cook with your salad at home? It’s easy – add leaves like watercress and rocket to your soups or braise a romaine lettuce and toss it with pasta – it goes really sticky and caramalises, giving you a whole new flavour!
Spice up your salad drawer
If you’re someone who thinks a salad is just a bit dull, you’re likely not utilising the whole range of flavours and textures on offer in the salad aisle at your local shop or deli. Here are some of our favourite options to give you some inspiration for your next shop.
Watercress
One of our favourite local products, watercress has a peppery flavour and is extremely good for you. Both the leaves and the stem are edible and they can be cooked or eaten raw, they work well in salads, stir fries and sandwiches, so experiment!
Butterhead lettuce
AKA round lettuce, these have a sweet flavour, so are perfect for tortillas, salads with lots of crunchy flavours and sandwiches.
Romaine lettuce
This is the long, narrow leaves that is used in Caesar salads. The leaves have both bitter and sweet tastes, so they make good additions to salads and sandwiches for a bit of variety.
Rainbow Chard
This is the rounded leaves with the coloured stems. They have a sweet, nutty flavour and can work as a good substitute for spinach. They can be heated up too, so you have options for different meals with this one.
Baby spinach
Talking of spinach, baby spinach is a milder option for regular spinach. It works well with cheeses and berries and is a great way of getting some additional greens into your smoothies.
Rocket
This is a spiky and peppery leaf which adds a real zing to salads and as a side to roasted veg.
Little Gem
Similar to romaine lettuce, this is a study leaf, perfect for holding fillings and working as a gluten free alternative to wraps or tacos. They also are great for a healthier main meal and can be used to hold mince meat or other items. Plus, they usually come in packs that are perfect for single or two people house holds.
Chicory
With its smooth texture and crunch, this is a great alternative to bread sticks and offers an interesting scoop for a variety of dips. Perfect for starters, parties and other gatherings. They are also nice roasted – the flavour changes to a sweeter one, so why not roast and toss a few of them into a pasta or rice dish?
Iceberg Lettuce
The most popular of all the lettuce, this one is often found in sandwiches or burgers, it is a good options for anyone on a budget or anyone only wanting to use a few leaves at a time as it stays fresher for longer – probably because of its shape. Iceberg has a fresh flavour that works well in all manner of dishes, so even if it is a bit basic, is a good one for a variety of different meals.
