Whether you’re looking to make your meals a little less calorific or you simply want meals that feel lighter to eat with the warm weather, salads tend to come out in prolific form in the summer. However, if you’re just mixing greens, a cucumber, and the occasional cold cut, they can quickly become rather bland in terms of taste – and who wants that?!
Here is a look at some tasty additions that will not only elevate your salad to the next level, but that won’t spoil the whole point of your salad, to begin with either!
Never Underestimate the Benefits of Olive Oil
Olive oil has to be one of the most versatile and impactful tools in any kitchen. When it comes to adding a touch of moisture and a broader flavor profile to an otherwise middle-of-the-road salad, having this on hand is always going to help. You should be a little more particular and use extra-virgin olive oil when you can, though. It tastes better and it has a lot of proven health benefits.
Try Some Kimchi
It can be hard to convince people to take the time to try out this Korean staple. A lot of people look at anything fermented with a stink eye and there is no denying that it has quite a strong smell. However, try out this grilled corn and kimchi salad and it’s not difficult to see why a whole nation of people relies so heavily on this fermented napa cabbage mix. It’s addictively delicious.
Use Some Slaw (with Care)
Coleslaw is a traditional addition to salads, but it can be pretty heavy in calories, and the sodium count can be higher than people realize, as well. However, you can get all the delicious flavor of coleslaw without the added weight by making a dressing out of it. Follow this coleslaw dressing recipe to see how to boil it down to a delicious side. All you need is a little drizzle over your salad and you’ll be getting the best of both worlds.
Zest it Up
If you want to add some flavor without actually adding a dressing, then the single best way is to use a good lemon juice or zest instead. For the earthier flavors in your salad, especially the likes of spinach and other cruciferous greens, it can really cut through them and make them taste much perkier. Buy a lemon and you can make plenty of juice, zest, and other sides that can be used in a handful of meals after.
Don’t Underestimate Seeds – or Nuts
If you want a little additional texture and taste but you don’t want to make things too heavy, then a handful of seeds is all you need. Adding some chia seeds can give it a nice grounded taste, as do hemp seeds. You can even bake seeds and add some salt and pepper to unlock even more flavor from them. Nuts like walnuts and almonds work just as well, but do be careful about overdoing them because they do hold a lot of calories.
It’s a good idea to vary up what actually goes into the salad, as well. The types of veg you use can greatly influence the taste, as does mixing up the temperatures of the ingredients used, ie. warming sweet potato fries or some sauteed portobello mushrooms. Experiment with what you use and you can easily enjoy a delicious and satisfying salad every day of the week!
