How to Make a Salad

Let's start at the very beginning

I love creating new, mouthwatering salad recipes for you. But I also want to give you the tools you need to succeed in the kitchen, that empower you to embrace your creativity and encourage nourishing meals morning, noon, and night. 

Some people say you’re only as good as your tools, but I disagree. You can make this work with whatever tools you already own, though some of my favorites will make this easier, faster, and more enjoyable. Here are my top tool recommendations for serious salad lovers. 

Now, let’s make a salad!

Step 1: Layer your greens and vegetables

Start with your base:

• Dark leafy greens: spinach, arugula, kale

• Cabbage: Green or red

• Shaved Brussels sprouts

• Lettuces

This layer will make up about 50% of the salad, feel free to combine any of the above for more variety. Whatever you choose, cut it into small, bite-size pieces.

Next, add 4-5 additional ingredients, like:

• Carrots

• Bell Peppers

• Scallions

• Fresh Herbs

• Cucumbers

• Avocado

These ingredients make up the other 50% of your salad. The most important thing is to cut everything to be the same size, so you get a little bit of everything in each bite. (The perfect bite.)

Step 2: Add crunch and protein

Every good salad has a crunchy component. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Pumpkin Seeds

• Slivered Almonds

• Sesame Seeds

• Croutons

• Garlicky Panko

• Crispy Potatoes

• Cashew Crunch

If you want, top with protein to make it more filling. I love to use:

• Jammy Eggs

• Grilled Salmon

• Grilled Chicken

• Marinated Tofu

• Sliced Ribeye

• Crispy Tofu

Step 3: Make the Dressing

Now, whisk together a homemade salad dressing. Most of the time, I use ingredients I have on hand to make my dressings. Here are a few of my favorite recipes, but remember—you can make it with whatever ingredients you love most once you have the ratio down, all it takes is equal parts oil and acid. I like olive oil and white vinegar and/or lemon juice, or you can mix and match for a different flavor profile.

Oil:

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil

• Toasted Sesame Oil

• Avocado Oil

Acid:

• Red Wine Vinegar

• White Vinegar

• Rice Vinegar

• Lemon Juice

• Lime Juice

Then add salt and pepper to taste. That’s all you need for a basic vinaigrette! I normally add grated garlic cloves for extra flavor (grated so it’s not chunky), nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor and creamy texture, and herbs and spices to elevate the flavor profile. You can also add honey to balance out some of the acidic bite.

Step 4: Assemble Your Salad

Toss all the ingredients together in a big bowl and cover liberally with dressing. Mix with a big spoon so every bite has dressing on it. Serve with chips or forks (your choice) and enjoy!

What’s the best salad you’ve ever had? Tell me all about it!

Photo: Ashley Sears