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    Home » Recipes » Salad Recipes

    How to Make the Perfect Simple Salad

    Published: Apr 2, 2018 · Modified: Jun 26, 2023 by Philip Lago and Mystique Mattai · This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    With a strong leafy base, crunchy bits and a creamy dressing, our Simple Salad is the perfect recipe for spring. 

    Close up of Green Salad on a Plate

    While often associated as sad or the obligatory pre-dinner (or post in our house) must-eat, the salad should never feel like an afterthought. A well-prepared salad has the potential to be the star of the meal. Here are a few of our favourite ways to layer a simple salad with tips and tricks to make your salad the most delicious part of the meal.

    Steps to Making a Salad

    1. START OFF STRONG

    Selecting a nutrient-packed base is the first step in building your simple salad. Start by creating a solid foundation of leafy greens whether it be kale, spinach, mustard greens, romaine or a simple spring mix from your local grocery store. And be sure to mix it up — use raw, steamed or sautéed greens or even grilled romaine or iceberg — or change the way you prep your salad. Try a wedge, tear your lettuce, use big leaves, little leaves or fine chop your lettuce. Whatever your preference, this is your simple salad.

    2. INSERT THE CRUNCH FACTOR

    For us, the perfect salad is all about textures and layering textures to create the perfect bite. Chewing on lettuce reminds us of a cow chewing the same grass blade repetitively, no one wants this. We believe the key to an interesting salad is the crunch factor – raw fennel, crispy snap peas, crunchy radishes, chopped nuts, crispy croutons, sprinkles of seeds, julienned cucumbers or sliced pear. The crunch add's a bit of oomph that can turn a motionless salad into a soundtrack of bass and melody.

    Close up of various spring produce

    3. TASTE THE RAINBOW

    Go fruit and veggie crazy and pile on all the fixings you desire. Adding a colourful array of produce ensures you get your daily quota of fruits and vegetables. And it's a great way to get rid of the leftovers in your refrigerator. We love asparagus stems, crunchy fennel, radishes and beets. To add even more green to your palate and for even more punch to your dish, try adding in your favourite herbs like dill, mint or basil depending on the flavour profile you’re building.

    4. FUEL YOUR FAT

    Fat seems to get a bad rap, but we’re talking about the good fats, nuts, seeds, avocado, olives, goat cheese, feta — mmm, this is starting to sound delicious. Instead of fearing the fat, learn the differences and benefits of incorporating good fats into your diet that’ll keep your metabolism working. The key here is moderation. While we’d love to use the whole avocado, we slice half and save the rest for later. Same for nuts, seeds and cheese, the perfect simple salad follows the everything in moderation rule.

    Peas, avocado, egg, asparagus and goat cheese

    5. PROTEIN, PROTEIN, PROTEIN

    A salad without protein is like coffee without caffeine! You need some protein to keep you energized (and full). After all, protein forms the building blocks of our muscles and organs so the body will always crave it. If you’re opting for animal protein, we suggest hard-boiled eggs (don’t toss the yolk) or treat yourself to a handful of bacon. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, fermented tofu like tempeh or sprouted organic tofu (½ cup), legumes like chickpeas, kidney beans or black beans or protein-rich grains like quinoa (½ cup) all make for excellent additions to a simple salad.

    6. DRESS FOR SUCCESS

    A naked salad is a boring salad. Don’t smother your spring salad with bottled dressings — this is a major salad no-no and can easily turn your curated simple salad into an unnecessary salad. One of our favourite dressings is a simple balsamic with olive oil, dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper or for a creamier dressing try homemade mayo, lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt and black pepper. Make sure you know what’s going into your dressing.

    With spring in every bite, and a wholesome approach to fats, fuel and protein, our tips for creating the perfect simple salad make curating your dish a fun and vibrant experience. What are your go-to tips and tricks for making the perfect salad?

    Pouring Green Goddess Dressing on a Salad

    Recipe Card

    How to Make the Perfect Simple Salad

    5 from 1 vote
    Philip Lago and Mystique Mattai
    With spring in every bite, and a wholesome approach to fats, fuel and protein, our Simple Spring Salad with Green Goddess Dressing is the perfect lunch or accompaniment to any dinner.
    Servings: 4 servings
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins

    Ingredients
      

    • ¼ cup mayonnaise
    • ½ cup fresh parsley chopped
    • ½ cup fresh basil chopped
    • 1 lemon juiced
    • 1 clove garlic minced
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
    • 3 eggs hard boiled
    • 150 g fresh greens
    • 1 small fennel bulb thinly sliced
    • ½ cup sugar snap peas
    • ¼ cup walnuts
    • ¼ cup goat cheese
    • ¼ cup bacon cooked and diced
    • 1 avocado sliced
    • 2-3 radishes thinly sliced

    Instructions
     

    • Prepare all your salad ingredients and place the greens in a large bowl.
    • In a small food processor, add the mayo, parsley, basil, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Blend until smooth.
    • Lightly dress the greens with ¼ of the dressing and arrange on a large plate. Arrange the remaining ingredients on top of the greens and drizzle with the green goddess dressing.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 482kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 149mg | Sodium: 400mg | Potassium: 745mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1605IU | Vitamin C: 46mg | Calcium: 119mg | Iron: 3mg

    Additional Information

    Course: food and drink, Salad
    Cuisine: north american
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 482
    Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and let us know!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Rochelle caits says

      February 13, 2023 at 7:32 pm

      Opposites do attract. - lovely and simple recipes.

      Reply
    2. Tina says

      October 19, 2019 at 5:48 pm

      Hello, I have an assignment for my Introduction to Computers class at the Community College I attend. The assignment is to build our own 4 page website. I am doing my website on Healthy salads/meals and would like to feature one of your salads. Would you give me permission to use your picture of your simple salad recipe and information on how to build a simple salad on my website? I would be including a link to your website for reference on where my information came from. I just love your recipe and tips to building the salad! Thought it would be a great meal for any time of the day! Please let me know if I have your permission. Thank you, Tina Venable

      Reply
      • Chef Sous Chef says

        October 23, 2019 at 9:51 am

        Of course Tina! Thank you for asking us before moving forward. Good luck with the assignment!

        Reply
    3. Amanda says

      December 06, 2018 at 2:57 pm

      Two things: Your photography is AMAZING and two, the dressing is our new fave. Thanks for the great tips and recipe.5 stars

      Reply
      • Chef Sous Chef says

        December 06, 2018 at 3:07 pm

        So sweet 🙂 Thanks Amanda

        Reply
    4. Stella Hampers says

      April 12, 2018 at 10:44 am

      There is nothing like a good salad, this salads looks , and I am sure mouthwatering. I cannot wait to start making this. Yum!

      Reply
    5 from 1 vote

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