Packaged salad blends have changed the way I enjoy salads. With all the varieties of greens now available at the grocery store, it has never been easier to make a great and tasty salad. Dozens of pre-washed salad blends allow the home cook the ease and convenience of picking the perfect mixture for their salad without all the hassle.
I can’t remember the last time I purchased a head of leaf lettuce or sifted through a big pile of wilting mesclun greens searching for the freshest ones. Specialty greens such as arugula and mache, once only enjoyed in restaurants, have found their way to my dining table.
Before bagged blends, I would have never bought four different types of lettuce just to make the perfect blend for a salad for just my husband and me. Now there are more than fifty different combinations of lettuces, packaged in just the right size, from which to choose.
Whoever decided to make these blends “ready-to-eat” was a genius in my book. Cleaning all the sand and dirt out of fresh spinach is an inconvenience I have not experienced since I found the pre-washed packaged variety. And, assuming I could find it in the back of a cabinet, I can guarantee that my salad spinner has a layer of dust on it.
To turn a simple salad into a spectacular dish, just add your favorite ingredients. The possibilities are infinite when it comes to the salad creations that you can make. Now you can try your favorite restaurant salad at home or experiment with tastes from other countries.
A salad can be so much more than just a precursor to a meal or a bland diet food. Dishes made from leafy greens can make a delicious, and healthy, main attraction of any meal. For a hearty meal, just add your favorite protein. Top the salad with a warm piece of grilled meat or fish. If you prefer a cold salad, combine shredded, chilled chicken with the greens. Toss in some of your favorite veggies, fruits, or nuts to add different tastes and textures. Crumbled or grated cheeses also make flavorful additions.
Thanks to the conveniences of the bags, I enjoy a delicious salad at home almost every day. My wish is that this book inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and eat great salads often!
Enjoy!