(Mixed greens with strawberries, cashews, feta, and chicken.)

I never thought I liked salad because all I ever saw when I was growing up was insipid iceberg lettuce, dry preshredded carrots and gloppy ranch dressing. Now that kind of salad has its place, just not in my kitchen.  Salad can be much more adventurous and delicious.

I have a little formula I like to use when composing a salad. Feel free to add your own tips in the comment section so we can all benefit.

My formula is this:  greens+fresh fruit/veggie+flavorful cheese+something crunchy+meat (as a main dish)+a killer vinaigrette. And then I play around until it’s perfect.

(Mixed greens with pluots, slivered almonds, and bacon. Recipe here.)

–Greens–

Think about the flavor of the greens when you are getting ready to make a salad. Do you want a mild green like Romaine or Butter lettuce? Or something sharper or bitter like radicchio? Or peppery like arugula or watercress? Baby greens are sweeter than full grown.

Also, think about the texture. I love the softness and mildness of Boston Bibb lettuce sometimes, and other times I prefer come crunch of the frilly chicory.  Baby spinach is great because it is almost flavorless and therefore a blank canvas.  You can add in fresh herbs like parsley or basil.  You can use beet greens or celery leaves.

If you can, try to buy salad greens in a plastic tub. I find they are cheaper in the larger tubs when you buy them at Costco. Even stores like Whole Foods can be less expensive than the grocery store. The greens keep better and longer in the tubs. Store them in the bottom of your fridge or in the veggie compartment. Sometimes I will lay some paper towels over the top to keep them from getting too much moisture. Check the temperature of your fridge frequently, too, to make sure it is neither too warm or cold.

(Arugula, watercress, goat cheese and blackberry salad. Recipe here.)

–Fresh Fruit/Veggies–

I like to add seasonal fruit and veggies because, of course, they are going to have more flavor and be fresher.

Some fruits or veggies are available (and good) year round. Those include apples, pears, oranges, grapefruit, avocados, carrots, onions, mushrooms, jicama, celery, etc.

In the spring, you can add asparagus, beets, peas, and other spring veggies.

In the summer and early fall, I add strawberries, stone fruit (like peaches, cherries, nectarines or pluots), berries, figs, tomatoes, sliced peppers, etc.

Don’t forget that you can add dried fruit, too. We love to add dried apricots, raisins, cherries, cranberries, currants, dates and others to salad. They pack a lot of flavor. Brine-cured olives or sun-dried tomatoes are another great addition to any salad.

Roasting your veggies or fruit also can add depth and variety. Consider roasting cubes of squash, beets, apples, or pears.

Another fun thing to add to summer and spring salads is edible flowers–nasturtiums, pansies, violets, etc. Just make sure that they are free from pesticides and fertilizers.

Canned beans or other veggies (like roasted peppers) are wonderful, too.

–Flavorful Cheese–

Cheese is a great addition to any salad, but you don’t have to have it. We like sharper, pungent cheeses when we use milder greens and additions. A milder, creamy cheese may be in order when using sharper, bitter greens and additions.

Here’s a list of cheeses we regularly use:

Chevre–a mild, creamy, fresh goat’s milk cheese (we also bread and bake it sometimes)

Parmesan or Romano–aged Italian cheeses made from cow’s and sheep milk, respectively

Feta–crumbly, salty cheese made from sheep or cow’s milk

Blue cheeses–Maytag blue (mild) to Stilton (strong and robust)

Swiss type–Emmentaler (Switzerland), Gruyere (from France or Switzerland, aged and stronger), Jarlsberg (very mild, nutty cheese from Norway)

Remember to go easy on the cheese. A little goes a long way.

–Something Crunchy–

The something crunchy could also apply to fresh fruit and veggies, but I mean nuts and croutons.

Think about candying the nuts to add a little sweetness. Toasting adds more flavor and depth and make the nuts even crunchier. You can also buy the nuts already candied, toasted, or seasoned at the grocery store.

Nuts that work well–almonds, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamias, cashews, pistachios, and pine nuts.

Croutons can add that extra punch of flavor, not to mention texture. Homemade croutons take it up to another level. Personally, I like to add croutons when I’m using a creamy dressing and have a salad full of veggies. I can’t think of anyone I know who doesn’t like croutons.

–Meat–

Grilled chicken, beef, or pork are great additions to salad to make it a main dish. Shredded leftover chicken is great, too. You can make your own restaurant style salad by adding breaded chicken breasts.

Bacon. Bacon is always welcome on any salad I make. Also, think about trying other cured meats–pepperoni, salami, prosciutto, or pancetta. They add great flavor and go well with veggies.

Tofu or meat replacements also work well for salads. I like to marinate cubes of tofu and saute them in a little oil. Another way to add texture to a salad.

–Vinagrettes–

I have a list as long as my arm of favorite homemade vinaigrettes. I think a good vinaigrette can make the salad.  If you choose to buy one instead, splurge on a good one.  Our family likes Briana’s brand the very best.

Start with a basic recipe of oil, vinegar, a little Dijon mustard, a pinch of sugar, and salt and pepper. Go from there.

Try using different vinegars and acids:

Regular or white balsamic
Champagne
Red or white wine
Flavored–like raspberry or strawberry
Apple cider (try to use organic unfiltered)
Lemon or lime juice
Tomato juice
Worcestershire sauce (add only a little in addition to another acid)

Different oils and fats:

Nut oils–hazelnut, walnut, macadamia
Fruity olive oils–I mean the good ones
Grapeseed–a light, clean, flavorless oil
Bacon fat–use in place of oil in a warm vinagrette for a wilted spinach salad
Mayonnaise

Sweeteners: (optional)

Brown sugar
Honey
Jam, jelly or preserves
Agave
Fruit juice–apple cider, pomegranate juice, orange juice

Other additions:

Seeds–poppyseeds, sesame, mustard, cumin
Chopped fresh herbs–cilantro, parsley, dill, basil, oregano, etc.
Spices
Sour cream or buttermilk–to add a little tang and creaminess
Pureed sun-dried tomatoes or kalamata olives
Roasted garlic
Etc.

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I’d love to hear your tips for making a great salad.  What is your favorite salad?

Lindsey Johnson is a stay-at-home mom of three.  She likes to cook, bake, and take pictures.  She blogs at Cafe Johnsonia, where you can find many recipes for mixed green salads, other salads, and dressings her family enjoys.